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FROM   THE   LIBRARY   OF 
REV.    LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON.   D.  D. 

BEQUEATHED    BY   HIM   TO 

THE   LIBRARY  OF 

PRINCETON   THEOLOGICAL   SEMINARY 


SCC 


(2^warruan  Uia^t 


DRAUGHT 

67     T  K3 

FORM 

OF     THl 

GOVERNMENT    and    DISCIPLINE 

0  7     THE 

PRESBYTERIAN     CHURCH 

IN    THE 

UNITED    STATES    of     AMERICA. 


Propofed,  by  the  Svnod  of  New-York  and 
Philadelphia,  for  the  confidrration  of  the 
Prefbytsrics  and  Churches  under  their  care. 


N   E  W.Y  O   R  K: 

ftrimed  by  S.  and  J.  LO  UD'O  N,  No.   c, 
Water-StreeU 


-         ■/!. 


m,dcc*lxxxvii. 


I 


TH  E  Synod   i  d  ;>hilaJeU 

phi**-,  *//  //!  h;g,  Md  in  I 

May,  1787,  appointed  the  Rev.  Dr.  John  Rod- 
gcn,  Dr.  Alexander  MacWhorter,  Mr.  Alex- 
ander Milder  and  Mr.  James  Wilfoti,  Mini/iers, 
a  Committee,  t*  print  One  TJwufand  £opies  of  the 
draught  of  the  Form  of  Government  aim  Difcipline^ 
as  now  amended  by  the  Synod,  to  be  dijlrtbx 
among  the  PrefbyteAe*  <2iht  Churches  under  their 
rare. 

. 
The  Committee  was  alfo  appointed  to  print  ; 
lafl  -paragraph  of  tire  ic>fi    Chapter  of  the  11 
tninfier  Confejjion   of  Faith  ;   the  yi  paragraph 
of  the   2yl    Chapter  ;  and  the  Ul  paragraph  of 
the   $\ft  Chapter,  as  now propofed  to  be  altered 

by  the  Synod : Further^  the   Committee   was 

appointed,  to  revije  the  Direclory  for  the  Pub- 
lie  worjhip  of  God,  and  to  print  it,  when  rcvif 
ed  and  amended  by  them,  together  with  the  draught 
of  the  form  of  Government  and  Difcipline  :  And 
the  Synod  agreed,  that  thefe  he  calla 
vifed  and  adopted,  the  Confelhon  of  Faith,  and 
Directory  for  the  Public  Worfhip  of  God,  of  the 
Prefbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of 
America. 

The  Committee,  confidering  tliat  a  power  of  ma- 
king verbal  alterations,  in  the  draught  of  the  Form 
of  Government  and  Difcipline,  was  committed  to 
them  by  the  Synod,  and  being  fully  fenfible  that 
they  are  liable  to  make  mi/lakes  in  this  particu- 
lar, have  thought  proper  to  print,  all  the  w$ 
which  they  have  changed,  in  Italics. 


I  N  TR  0  D  U  C  T  ION, 


TH  E  Synod  of  Nrw-YoRK  and  Phi- 
ladelphia, judging  it  expedient  to  afcer- 
tain  and  fix  the  fyftem  of  union,  and  the  form  of 
the  Government  ^^/Difcipline  ofthePrejbyterian 
Church  inthefe United  States ,  under  their  care,  have 
thought  proper  to  lay  down,  by  way  of  intro- 
duclion,  a  few  of  tks  general  principles?  by  which 
they  have  been  hitherto  governed,  and  which 
are  the  ground  work  of  iht  following  plan.  This, 
it  h  hoped,  will,  in  fome  meafure,  prevent  thofe 
rafh  mifconjlruflions  and  uncandid  reflections, 
which  ufually  proceed  from  an  imperfeft  view 
of  any  fubject ;  as  well  as  make  the  feveral  parts 
of  the  fyfiem  plain,  and 'the  whole  plan  perfpi* 
tuous,  and  fully  underftood. 

The  Synod   are  unanimoufly  of  opinion ; 

I.  That  "  God  alone  is  Lord  of  the  con- 
'*  fcience,,  and  hath  left  it  free  from  the  doc- 
**  trines  and  commandments  of  men  ;  which  are 
"  in  any  thing  contrary  to  his  word,  or  befide 
"  it  in  matters  of  faith  or  worihip  :"  There- 
fore,  they  confider  the  rights  of  private  judge- 
ment, in  all  matters  that  refpeel  religion,  as  uni- 
verfal  and  unalienable  :  They  do  not  even  wifh 
to  fee  any  religious  conftitution  aided  by  the 
civil  power,  further  than  may  be  -neceffary  for 
protection  and  fecurity,  and,  at  the  fame  time, 
may  be  equal   and  common  to  all  others. 

II.  That,  in  perfect  confiflency  with  the  above 
principle    oi  common  right,    every    Chriftian 

Church  „ 


Church,  or  union  and  affoctattam  of  puiiililfar 
Churches,  are  entitled  to  declare  the  terras  of 
admiiuon  into  their  communion^  and  the  quali- 
fications of  their  miniftcrs  and  members,  as  well 
as  the  whole  fyitem  of  the  internal  government 
%hich  Chrift  hath  appointed  :  That,  in  the 
excrcife  of  this  ri^ht,  they  may,  notwithftand- 
iug,  err,  in  making  the  terms  of  communion 
tithe-  too  lax  or  too  narrow  :  yet,  even  in  this 
G*Te,  they  do  not  infringe  the  liberty,  or  to* 
ci  each  upon  the  rights  of  others,  but  only  make 
an  improper  ufe  of  their  own. 

III.  That  our  breffed  Saviour,  for  the  cdi- 
fcction  of  the  viiible  Church,  which  is  Lis  bo- 
cry,  hath  appointed  officers,  not  only  to  prea  :h 
the  Gofpcl  and  admimjler  the  Saoamcnts  ;  but 
a;fo  to  exercrfe  difcipline,  for  the  preferyation 
both  of  truth  and  duty :  and,  that  it  is  incum- 
bent upon  theft  officers,  and  upon  the  whole 
Church,  in  whole  name  they  act,  to  cenfure,  or 
call  out,  the  erroneous  and  fcandalous  ;  obferv- 
i/.;r,  in  all  cafes,  the  rules  contained  in  the  word 
of  God. 

IV.  That  truth  is  in  order  to  goodnefs  ;  and 
that  no  opinion  can  be  either  more  pernicious 
cr  more  abfurd,  than  that  which  brings  truth 
and  falfehood  upon  a  level,  and  reprefents  it 
of  no  confequence  what  a  man's  fen timerts  are  : 
On  the  contrary,  They  are  of  opinion,  that 
fonndnefs  in  the  faith  lays  a  proper  founda- 
tion for  holy  practice;  for,  if  it  were  other- 
v?  fe,  it  would  be  of  no  importance  either  to 
d  <<  over  trut^   or  to  embrace   it. 

V.  That  while,  under  the  conviction  of  the 
3r'»ve  rnrrHr,  The1,  think  itneceffary  to  make 
t^L&Liil  ^ruviiion,  that  all,  who  arc  admitted 

as 


L        V 


-as  Teachers,  be  found  in  the  faith  ;  They  t\fo 
believe,  that  there  are  truths  and  forms,  with 
refpect  to  which  men  of  good  characters  and 
principles  may  differ  :  And,  in  all  thefe,  Thef 
think  it  the  duty,  both  of  private  Chriftians  and 
Societies,  to  exei  cife  mutual  forbearance  toward* 
each   other. 

VI.  That  though  the  character,  qualifies? 
t:ons,  and  authority  of  Church-officers,  are  laid 
down  in  the  holy  Scriptures,  as  well  as  the  pro* 
per  method  of  their  inveiliture  and  inftitution  -f 
yet  the  election  of  the  perfens,  to  the  exer- 
cife  of  this  authority,  in  any  particular  fociety- 
is  in  that  fociety. 

VII.  That  all  Church  power,  whether  exer- 
cifed  by  the  body  in  general,  or,  in  the  way  of 
reprefentation,  by  delegated  authority,  is  only 
ininifterial  and  declarative  :  That  is  to/ay,  that 
the  Holy  Scriptures  are  the  only  rule  of  faith  and 
manners  ;  that  no  Church  judicatory  ought  to 
pretend  to  make  laws,  to  bind  the  confeience, 
in  virtue  of  their  own  authority  ;  and  that  all 
their  decifiem  fnculd  be  founded  upon  the  re* 
vcaled  will  of  God  :  Now  though  it  will  eafily  be 
admitted,  that  all  Synods  and  Councils  may  err, 
through  the  frailty  infeparable  from  humanity  ; 
yet  there  is  much  greaterdanger,from  the  ufurp- 
ed  claim  of  making  laws,  than  from  the  right 
of  judging  upon  laws  already  made,  and  com- 
mon to  all  who  profefs  the  Gofpel  ;  although  this 
right,  as  neccifity  requires  in  the  prefent  ftate, 
be  lodged  with  fallible   men. 

VIII.  Lajilyr  That,  if  the  above  Scriptural 
and  rational  principles  be  ftedfauMy  adhered  to, 
the  vigour  and  ftrictnefs  of  their  difcipline  will 
contribute  to  the  glory  and  happinefs  of  any 

Church 


[      VI      ] 

Church.  Since  difcipline  mufl  be  purely  moral 
and  fpiritual  in  its  object,  and  not  attended  with 
any  civil  effects,  it  can  derive  no  force  what- 
ever, but  from  its'  own  juftice,  the  approba- 
tion of  an  impartial  public,  and  the  cpuntcs 
nance  and  blefling  of  the  great  Head  of  the 
Church  univerfal 


Tbe      FORM,      &c. 


Of  the   Church. 

JESUS  CHRIST,  who  is  now'  exalted, 
far  above  all  principality  and  power,  hath  erect- 
ed, in  this  world,  a  kingdom,  which  is  his 
Church. 

The  univerfal  Church  confifls  of  all  thofe 
perfons,  in  every  nation,  together  with  their 
children,  who  make  profeilion  of  the  holy  re- 
ligion of  Chrift,  and  fubmit  to    his  laws. 

As  this  immenfe  multitude  cannot  meet  to- 
gether^  in  one  place,  to  hold  communion,  or: 
to  worftiip  God,  it  is  reafonable,  and  warranted 
by  Scripture  example ',  that  they  mould  be  di- 
vided  into  many  particular  Churches. 

A  particular  Church  confifls  of  a  number  of 
profefling  Chriflians,  with  their  offspring,  vo- 
luntarily afTociated  together,  for  divine  wor- 
fhip  and  godly  living,  agreeably  to  the  holy 
Scriptures ;  and  fubmitting  to  a  certain  form  of 
government. 

Of  the  Officer*   of  the  Church. 

rxtraordi-      Qur  hlefTed  Lord,  at  firftr collected  his 
nary  of-    Church,out  of  different  nations,  and  for- 
med it  into  one   body,  by  the  miflioa 
of  men   endued   with  miraculous   gifts,  which 
have,  long  fince,  ceafed.  The 


(     8     ) 

Ferpetut!       The  ordinary  and  perpetual  Officr 
utaceri     fa  the  Church,  are,  Bijhops  or  Pq/lors  > 
the  reprefentatives  of  thsr    People,  ufuaily  ltiled 
Ruling  Elders  ;  and  Deacons. 

Of  Bifoops  or   Fuji  on. 

Namci,  ace.  Jhe  paJloral  office  is  the  firft,  in  the 
Church,  both/ar  dignity  and ufefulnefs.  The  per  for. 
who  fills  this  office,  hath,  in  Scripture,  obtained  dif- 
ferent names  expreflive  of  his  various  duties :  As 
ifehas  the  overfight  of  theflock  of  Chrift,  he  is 
called  Bifhop  *  :  As  He  feeds  them  with  fpi. 
ritual  food,  he  is  JUled  Pallor  :  As  He  fcrves 
Chrift  in  his  church,  he  is  termed  Miniilcr  : 
As  //  is  his  duty  to  be  grave,  and  prudent,  and 
an  example  of  the  flock,  and  to  govern  well  in 
the  houfe  and  kingdom  of  Chrift,  he  is  denomU 
nated  Prefbyter  or  Elder  :  As  He  is  the  m.f- 
len^er  of  God,  he  is  addreffed  as  the  An^el 
of  the  Chw-ch  :  \s  He  is  fent  to  declare  the  will 
of  God  to  finners,  and  to  befeech  them  to  be 
reconciled  to  God  through  Chrift,  he  is  re- 
p  efented  as  Ambaffador  :  And,  as  He  difpenfes 
the  manifold  <*race  of  God,  and  the  ordinances 
inftituted  by  Chrift,  he  hfpoken  of  as  Steward 
of  the  myfteries  of  God. 

Of  Ruling  Elders. 

tfame,  &c.  Ruljng  Elders  are  properly  the  repre- 
fentatives  of  the  people,  chofen  by  them,  for  the 
purpofe  of  exerciiing  government  and  discipline, 

•  As  the  officeand  charter  of  the  Gofpcl  Mincer  is  particu- 
larly and  fully  defaib -J,  in  the  holy  Scriptu;c«,  under  the  title  of 
Bi.hop  ;  and  as  rhis  term  is  peculiarly  expreflive  of  ki:  duty  *e  an 
Ovruccr  or  the  fleck,  i:  oaght  not  to  6s  rcjcc?:d 


(     9     ) 

in  conjunction  with  Paftors  or  Minifters-.  This 
office  has  been  underftood,  by  a  great  part  of 
the  Proteftant  reformed  Churches,  to  be  defo- 
liated, in  the  Holy  Scriptures,  by  the  title  of 
Governments  ;  and  of  thofe  who  rule  well,  but 
do  not  labour  in  word  and  doctrine. 

Of  Deacons. 

Name,  &c.  Thc  Scriptures  clearly  point  out  Dea* 
cons  as  diflincl:  officers  in  the  Church,  whofe  bufi- 
nefs  it  is,  not  to  administer  any  of  the  ordinances 
of  the  Gofpel,  but  to  take  care  of  the  Poor, 
and  to  diflribute  among  them  the  collections 
which  may  be  raifed  for  their  ufe.  To  them 
alfo  may  be  properly  committed  the  manage- 
ment of  the  temporal  affairs  of  the  Church. 

Of  the  Ordinances    in  a  particular  Church* 

Ordinances  of  TheOrdinances,efl:ablifhedby  Chrift 
th„ church.  theHead,in  aparticularChurch,^/VA) 
is  regularly  conftituted  with  its  proper  officers, 
are,Prayer;  fmgingPraifes;  reading,  expounding, 
and  preaching  the  Word  of  God  ;  adminiftring 
Baptifm  and  the  Lord's  Supper  ;  public  folemn 
Failing  and  Thankfgiving  ;  Catechifmg  ;  making 
collections  for  thejPoor  and  other  pious  purpofes ; 
exercifing  Difcipline  >  and  bleffing  the  People, 

Of  Church  Government,  and  the  fever al  kinds 
of  Judicatories, 

ju^StoTes.     If  is  a¥oluteb  neceffary  that   the  go- 
vernment of  the  Church  be  cxercrfed 
under  fome  certain  and  definite  form  :  And  we 
hold  it  expedient,  and  agreeable  to  fcripture  and 
B  the 


(      *°     ) 

the  practice  of  the  primitive  Chriflians,  that  the 
Church  be  governed  by  Congregational,  Pref- 
byterial,  and  Synod  ical  AfTemblies.  In  full  con- 
Jijlency  with  this  belief  we  embrace,  in  the  fpirit 
of  charity,  thofe  Chriitians  who  differ  from  us, 
in  opinion  or   in   practice,  on  tliefe  fubjects. 

Their  Pow.  Thefe  AfTemblies  ought  not  to  pof- 
Tefs any  civil  jurifdicTion,  nor  to  in- 
flict any  civil  penalties.  Their  power  is  whol- 
ly moral  or  fpiritual,  and  that  only  miniflerial 
and  declarative;  They  pofTefs  the  right  of  re- 
quiring obedience  to  the  laws  of  Chrift  ;  and 
of  excluding  the  difobedient  and  diforderly 
from  the  privileges  of  the  Church.  To  give 
efficiency,  however,  to  this  necefTary  and  fcrip- 
tural  authority,  they  pofTefs  the  powers  requi- 
fite  for  obtaining  evidence  and  inflicting  cen- 
fure  :  They  can  call  before  them  any  offender 
iiifl  the  order  and  government  of  the  Church: 
They  can  require  members,  of  their  own  fo- 
ciety,  to  appear  and  give  teflimony  on  the  caufe  ; 
but  the  highefl  punifhment,  to  which  their  au- 
thority extends,  is  to  exclude,  the  contuma- 
cious and  impenitent,  from  the  Congregation 
of  believers. 

Of  the  Congregational  Affembly  or  Judicatory^ 
ufually  Jlilcd  the  Church   Seffton. 

McmbS^     The    Cnurch  Scflion    confifts  of  the 
the  church     Minijler  or  Miniflcrs,  and  Elders  of 
Scflion.       a  partjcu]ar  Congregation. 
its  pow-        <f}K  Church  SeJJion  is  competent  to  the 
fpiritual   government   of  the  congrega- 
tion :  For  which  purpofe,  they  have  power  to 
inquire  into  the  knowledge  and  Chriflian  con- 
duct 


(   u   ; 

du<ft  of  all  its  members  ;  to  call  before  then: 
offenders  and  witneffes,  who  are  of  their  own 
denomination  ;  to  admonifh  ;  to  rebuke  ;  to  fur 
pend  or  exclude,  from  the  Sacraments,  thole 
who  are  found  to  deferve  the  cenfures  of  the 
Church  ;  to  concert  the  belt  meafures  for  pro- 
moting the  fpiritual  interefls  of  the  Congrega- 
tion ;  and  to  appoint  Delegates  to  the  higher 
Judicatories  of  the  Church. 
How  to  be        The  M  miller   mall  have   a  right  to 

convened.  convene  theSeffion  when  he  may  judge 
itrequifite  :  And  he  ought,  in  all  cafes,  to  con- 
vene them,  when  requeued  by  any  two  or  more 
of  the  Elders. 

Regifters  We  think  it  proper,  that  every 
to  be  kept.  QjjUrc]j  Seflion  keep  a  fair  regifler,  of 
Births  ;  of  Baptifms  ;  of  Marriages  ;  of  perfons 
admitted  to  the  Lord's  table  ;  of  Deaths  in  the 
fociety  ;  and  pother  removals. 

Of  the  Prejbyterial  Affemhly. 

Necefiity        The  Church  bein^  divided  into  many 

ofthcPref-    r  ~  °.  ,     r  < 

bytery.  ieparate  Congregations,  thefe  need 
mutual  counfel  and  affiflance,  in  order 
to  preferve  foundnefs  of  doctrine,  and  regula- 
rity of  difcipline  \  and  to  enter  into  common 
meafures,  for  the  promoting  of  knowledge  and 
religion,  and  for  the  preventing  of  the  encroach- 
ments of  infidelity  and  error.  Hence  arife  the 
importance  and  ufefulnefs  of  Prefbyterial  and 
Synodical  Affemblies. 

conftituent     A  Prefbytery  confifts  of  all  the  Minify 

Members    ters,  and  one  ruling  Elder  from  each 

Congregation,  within  a  certain  diflricr. 

Every  Congregation,   which  has  a  fettled  Paf- 


(  I*  ) 

tor,  has  a  right  to  bereprefented,in  Prefb] 
by  one  Elder;  and  every  Collegiate  Church,  by 
two  or  more  Elders,  in  proportion  to  its  Minu- 
ter*.    Where  there  are  two  or  more  Congre- 
gations, united  under  one  Pallor,  alt  inch  ( 
gregations  fhall  have  but  one  Elder  to  repr< 
them.     Every  Congregation,  which  has  no  fet- 
tled Mimficr^  and  is   able  and  willing,  in   the 
judgment  of  Prefbytery,  to  fupport  one,  (hall  be 
entitled  to  be   reprefented,  by  a  ruling    Eld<  r, 
in  this  'Judicatory  :   and  where  there  lire  two  or 
more  fuch  Congregations,  united  for  the  ir 
tenance  of  the  Goipel,  and,  to  their  united  ilate, 
are  of  the  description  aforefaid,  then  fuch    uni- 
ted Congregations  may  be  rcprefehted   by  one 
Elder.     Every  Elder,    not  known  to    the  Pref- 
bytery, fhall  produce   a  certificate  of  h 
lar  appointment,  from  the  Church  which  he  re- 
prcfents. 
Quorum  Any   three   Minifters,  and  as  many 

Pref-   Elders  as  may  be  prefent,  belonging  to 

the   Prefbytery.  being  met,  at  the  time 

and  place  appointed,  fhall  be  a  Judicatory,  com. 

ntto  the  difpatch  of  bufinefs  ;  notwithftand- 
ing  the  abfence  of  the  other  Members. 

rf  liie  ps-f         r^lc  Prefbytery  have  cognizance  of 
bytety.  &c."    all  things,  that  regard  the  welfare  of 
the  particular  Churches  within   their 
bounds,  which  are  not   cognizable  by  the  Sef- 
fiori  :   Thev  have  alfo  a  power  of  receiving  and 
iffuing  appeals  from  the  SefTions  ;  ami  referen- 
ces, brought   before  them  in  an    orderly  man* 
ner  ;  of   examining,    and    lieenfing  Candidates 
lie  Gofpel  miniftry  ;   of  ordaining,   fettling, 
ving,  or  judging  IVliniftcrs  ;   of  examining, 
£nd  approving  or  ceofuring  the  records  of  the 

Seflions  ; 


(     '3     ) 

Seffions ;  of  refolving  queftions  of  doclrine  or- 
difcipline,  ferioufly  and  reafonably  propofed  ; 
of  condemning  erroneous  opinions,  that  injure 
die  purity  or  peace  of  the  Church  ;  of  viiiting 
particular  churches,  to  inquire  into  their  flate, 
and  rcdrefs  the  evils  that  may  have  arifen  with- 
in them  ;  of  uniting,  or  dividing  Congregations, 
at  the  requefl  of  the  people  ;  and  of  ordering 
whatever  pertains  to  the  fpiritual  concerns  of 
the  Churches  under  their  care  :  and  it  (hall  be 
the  duty  of  the  Prefbyterics  to  report,  to  the 
Synod,  Hcenfures,  ordinations,  the  difmiiling  or 
receiving  of  Members,  and  the  removal  of  Mem- 
bers by  death. 

How  to  b=  Tbe  Prejbyttry  fliall  meet  on  their 
conrenej.  own  adjournments  ;  and,  when  any  e- 
mergency  fliall  require  a  meeting,  fooner  than 
the  time  to  which  the  judicatory  Hands  adjourn- 
ed, the  Moderator  fhali,  with  the  concurrence, 
or  at  the  requefl,  of  two  Minifters  and  two  El- 
ders, the  Elders  being  of  different  Congrega- 
tions, call  a  meeting  of  the  Preibytery,  by  a 
circular  letter  fent  to  every  Minifler,  and  to  the 
Seffion  of  every  vacant  Congregation  having  a 
right  to  fend  a  Reprefentative  to  the  Judicatory, 
in  due  time  previous  to  the  meeting,  which  time 
I  be  afcertained  and  recorded  by  each  Pref- 
bytery,  and  mall  not  be  lefs  than  ten  days  :  and 
nothing  ihall  be  tranfa&ed,  at  fiich  fpecial  meet- 
ing, betides  the  particular  bufmefs  for  which  the 
Judicatory  has  been  thus  convened. 
Op«ainpofthe  At  each  meeting  of  Prefbytery, 
PreOmcry.  a  fermon  {}ia]j  DC  delivered,  if  conve- 
nient ;  and  every  particular  feffton  mall  be  o- 
pened  and  concluded  with  prayer  :  The  roil  mail 
be  called,  and  the  meeting  recorded  by  the  Clerk, 

who 


(      '4     ) 

who  mall  enter  the  names  of  the  Members  pre- 
fent,  and  alfo  of  thofe  Minilters  who  are  abfent. 

Of  the  Synodical  AJfembly. 

ConfWnt       As  a  Prefbytery  is  the  Convention 
Membcrsof  of  the  Bifhops   and  Elders,   within   a 
certain  diftricl  ;  fo  a  Synod  is  the  Con- 
vention of  feveral  Prefbyteries,  within  a  larger 

diftrift. 

powers  The  Synod  have  power  to  admit  and 
thereof,  judge  of  appeals,  regularly  brought  up 
from  the  Prefbyteries  ;  to  give  their  judgment 
on  all  references,  in  ccclefiaftical  cafes,  made  to 
them  ;  to  review  the  Prefbytery  books  ;  to  re- 
drefs  whatever  hath  been  done  by  Prefbyteries 
contrary  to  order  ;  to  take  effectual  care  that 
Prefbyteries  obferve  the  Conftitutions  of  the 
Church  ;  to  make  fuch  regulations,  for  the  be- 
nefit of  their  whole  body,  and  of  the  Prefbyte- 
ries and  Churches  under  their  care,  as  mall  be 
agreeable  to  the  word  of  God,  and  not  contra- 
dictory to'the  decifions  of  the  General  Council  ; 
and  to  propofe,  to  the  General  Council,  for  their 
adoption,  fuch  mcaiures  as  may  be  of  common 
advantage  to  the  whole  Church. 

Of  the  General  Council. 

staeofthe       The  General  Council  is  the  hi 
Ugheftju.  Judicatorv  of  the  Preibyterian  Church; 

the'preV-    and  ftal1  "P"6*!  in  olie  b°^h  a11  thc 

ttrian  particular  Churches  of  this  denomina- 
Church*  tion  ;  and  fhall  bear  thc  ftiie  and  title 
of  THE  GENERAL  COUNCIL  OF  THE 
PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH  IN  THE  LI- 
MITED STATES  OF  AMERICA. 

Thc 


(     >5     ) 

M°nfUtTotf  ^1C  General  CounGil  fliall  confift 
the  General  of  an  equal  delegation  of  BiJJoops  and 
Council.  Elders,  from  each  Prefbytery,  in  the 
following  proportion  :  viz,  each  Prefbytery, 
confiding  of  not  more  than  fix  Minifters,  (hall 
fend  one  Minifler  and  one  Elder  ;  each  Pref- 
bytery, confiding  of  more  than  fix  Miniflers  and 
not  more  than  twelve,  (hall  fend  two  Miniflers 
and  two  Elders  ;  and  in  like  proportion,  for  e- 
very  fix  Minifters,  in  any  Prefbytery  :  And 
thefe  Delegates,  io  appointed,  fliall  bear  the  ti- 
tle of  COMMISSIONERS  TO  THE  GENE- 
RAL  COUNCIL. 

Quorum  Any  fourteen,  or  more,  of  thefe  Com- 
thrreof.  miflioners,  one  half  of  whom  fliall  be  Mi- 
nifters, being  met,  on  the  day,  and  at  the  place 
appointed,  fliall  be  competent  to  form  a  General 
Council,  and  to  proceed  to  bufinefs. 
Powers  ^^e  Council  fliall  receive  and  hTue  all 
of  the  appeals  and  references,  which  may  be  re- 
count. gUjar]y  brought  before  them  from  the 
inferior  Judicatories  ;  they  fliall  review  the  mi- 
nutes and  proceedings  ©f  every  Synod,  to  ap- 
prove or  eenfare  them  ;  they  jha I 7 give  their  ad- 
vice and  inftruc'tions,  in  all  other  cafes  fubmitted 
to  them  ;  and  they  /hall  alfo  conflitute  the  bond 
of  union,  peace,  correfpondence,  and  mutual 
confidence,  among  all  our  Churches, 
other  cow.  T° tne  Council  alfo  belongs  the  pow- 
ers of  the  er  ofconfulting,  reafoning,  and  judging, 
in  controverfies  refpecting  doctrine  and 
difcipline  ;  of  reproving,  warning,  or  bearing 
teftimony  againft  error  in  doctrine,  or  immorali- 
ty in  practice,  in  any  Church,  Prefbytery,  or  Sy- 
nod ;  of  correfponding  with  foreign  Churches  ; 
of  putting  a  flop  to  fchifmatical  contentions  and 

difputations  : 


(     '6     ) 

difputations  :  r.  recommcn 

and  attempting  reformation  of  manners  ;  and  of 
promoting  charity,  truth,  and  holinefs,  throi 

aii  the  Churches  :  and  of  erecting  new  Synods, 
when  they  judge  it  neceflary. 
RcV.aionof       Before  any  overtures  or  regulath 
the  power  of  proofed  by  the  Council  to  be 

the  Council.  r  n  i  n      ,  p    , 

ed  as  Handing  rules, J/oali  b 
on  the  Churches ■,    it  (hall   be  necenary   to  tr 
mit  them  to  all  the  Prefbyteries,  and  to  receive 
the  returns  of,  at  leaft,  a  majority   of  the  P 
byteries,  in  writing,  approving  thereof. 

Of  Electing  and  Ordaining  Ruling  Elders 
Deacons. 

Having  defined  the  Officers  of  the  Church, 
and  the  Aflemblies  by  which  it  (hall  be  govern- 
ed, it  is  proper  here  to  prefcribe  the  modes  in 
which  ecclefiaftical  Rulers  (hall  be  ordained  to 
their  refpective  offices. 

Mode  of  eiec  E very  Congregation  mall  eleft  per- 
tin-  Ruling  fons,  to  the  office  of  Ruling  Elder,  and 
iuers,&c.  iQ  fhe  office  of  Deacon,  or  either  of 
them,  in  the  mode  moil  approved  and  in  ufe  in 
that  Congregation. 

How  to  be  When  any  perfon  /ball  have  been  e- 
craned,  j^^  tQ  ^^  0fthzfc  offices,  and fhall 
have  declared  his  willingnefs  to  accept  thereof )  he 
fhall  be  fet  apart  in  the  following  manner. 

Engagements  After  fermon,  the  Minifter  fhall />r«?- 
EUers  and  pefe  to  him,  in  the  prefence  of  the  Con- 
Deacons.  gregation,  the  following  queilions  : 
viz. 

I. 


(     *7    ) 

I.  Do  you  believe  the  Scriptures,  of  the  Old 
«i  New  "f  eftament,  to  be  the  word  of  God,  the 

only  infallible  rule  of  Faith  and  Pra£tice  ? 

II.  Do  you  fincerely  receive  and  adopt,  the 
ConfeiTion  of  Faith  of  this  Church,  as  containing 
the  Syftcm  of  doctrine  taught  in  the  holy  Scrip- 
tures ? 

III.  Do  you  approve  of  the  Government  and 
Difciplinc  of  the  Prcibyterian  Church,  as  exer- 
cifed  in  theft  United  States  ? 

IV.  Do  you  accept  the  office  of  Ruling  El- 
der for  Deacon  as  the  cafe  may  be  J  in  this  Con- 
gregation, and  promife  faithfully  to  perform  all 
the  duties  thereof  ? 

To  be  fer.  After  having  anfwered  thefe  queflions 
apaa  by  in  the  affirmative,  he  mall  be  fe:  apart, 
by  prayer,  to  the  office  of  Elder  [_or  Dea- 
con as  the  cafe  may  be  \~\and  the  Minifier  jhail 
give  him,  and  the  Congregation,  an  exhortation 
jfuiied  to  the  occajion. 

Of  Licenfing   Candidates,    or    Probationers,     to 
preach  the  Gofpeh 

PiTht 'tol'*  ^"ne  k°ty"  Scriptures  require,  that 
ceafc  Pro-  fome  trial  be  previously  had,  of  thole 
Wtfoners.  wj10  are  t0  ^e  ordained  to  the  tniniftry 
of  the  Gofpel,  that  this  facred  office  may  not  be 
degraded,  by  being  committed  to  weak  and  un- 
worthy men  ;  and  thrit  the  Churches  may  have 
an  opportunity  of  judging  of  the  competency  of 
the  talents  of  thole  by  whom  they  are  to  be  in- 
ftm&ed  and  governed.  For  this  purpofe  Pref 
byteries  (hall  licenfe  Probationers,  to  preach  the 
Gofpel  }    that,  after  a  competent  trial  of  their 

C  ufihts, 


(.     18     ) 

talents,  and  receiving,  from  the  Churches,  a 
good  report  ;  They  may,  in  due  time,  ordain 
them  to  the  paftoral  office. 

It  is  proper  and  requifite,  that  Can- 
to  oc  produ-  didatcs,  applying  to  the  Preibytery  to 
«d  by  Can-  fe    licexifed  to  preach  the  Gofpel,  pro- 

didJtes      ap-  r  •    1  r      V 

to  be  duce  fatisfa&ory  tcitimonials  or  their 
lKcnled'  good  mora!  character,  and  of  their  be- 
ing regular  members  of  fome  particular  Church  : 
And  it  is  the  duty  of  the  Preibytery,  for  their 
further  fatisfaftion  with  regard  to  the  real  piety 
of  fuch  Candidates,  to  examine  them  refpecYmg 
their  experimental  acquaintance  with  religion, 
and  the  motives  which  influence  them  to  defire 
the  facred  office.  And  it  is  recommended,  that  the 
Candidate  be  alfo  required  to  produce  a  diplo- 
ma, of  Bachelor  or  Mailer  of  Arts,  from  fome 
College  or  Univerfity  ;  or  at  lead  authentic  tefti- 
monials  of  his  having  gone  through  a  regular 
courfe  of  learning. 

Trnl.  in  Becaufe  it  is  highly  reproachful  to  re- 
order To  ligion,  and  dangerous  to  the  Church,  to 
Liccnfe.  jntrufl;  ^  h0Iy  miniftry  to  weak  and  ig- 
norant men,  the  Prcfbytcry  (hall  try  each  Can- 
didate, as  to  his  knowledge  of  the  Latin  lan- 
guage, and  of  the  Original  languages  in  which 
the  "holy  Scriptures  were  written  :  They  fliall 
examine  Km,  on  the  Arts  and  Sciences  ;  on 
Theology,  natural  and  revealed  ;  and  on  Eccle- 
fiaftical  hiftoryj  And,  in  order  to  make  trial  of 
his  talents  to  explain  and  vindicate,  and  pra&i- 
cally  to  enforce  the  do&rines  of  the  Goipcl,  the 
Preibytery  fliall  require  of  him,  an  Excgcfis  on 
fome  common  head  of  divinity  )  a  Homily  ;  a 
Prcfbyterial  excrcife  :  a  Leaure  or  explica- 
tion of  a  portion  of  Scripture  -f    and  a  popular 

Sermon  : 


C     '9     ) 

Sermon  :  Or  other  fimilar  exerciies,  to  be  held? 
at  feveral  fucceflive  feftions,  till  They  fhall  have 
obtained  fatisf action,  as  to  his  piety,  literature,, 
and  aptnefs  to  teach  in  the  Churches. 

The  ftudy  of  That  the  moil  effectual  meafures 
Divinity  muft  may   De  taken,    to  guard  againft  the 

continue       at  J  .    '  p  &. 

jeaft  two  years  admijjton  of  lnmmcient  men  into  the 
before Hrenfe.  facred  office?  it  is  recommended,  that 

no  Candidate,  except  in  extraordinary  cafes,  be' 
licenfed  ;  unlefs,  after  his  having  completed  the 
the  ufual  courfe  of  academical  ftudies,  he  fhall 
have  ftudied  divinity,  at  leaft  two  years,  under 
fome  approved  Divine,   or  ProfeiTor  of  Theo- 

Engagements        Before  the  Prefbytery  proceed  to 

required        or..  r       .  _^        i«  i  i        \  n      t 

Probationers,  hcenfe  the  Candidate,  the  Moderator 
before  iicenfe.  fl^i  reqUrc  0f  \{xm  tne  following  en- 
gagements :  viz. 

I.  Do  you  believe  the  Scriptures,  of  the  Old 
and  New  Teftament,  to  be  the  word  of  God, 
the  only  infallible  rule  of  Faith  and  Practice  ? 

II.  Do  you  fmcerely  receive  and  adopt,  the 
Confeilion  of  Faith  of  this  Church,  as  contain- 
ing the  fyftem  of  doctrine  taught  in  the  holy 
Scriptures  ? 

III.  Do  you  promife  to  ftudy  the  peace,  uni- 
ty, and  purity  of  the  Church  ? 

IV.  Do  you  promife  to  fubmit  yourfelf,  in 
the  Lord,  to  the  government  of  this  Prefbytery, 
or  of  any  other  Prefbytery  in  the  bounds  of 
which  you  may  be  ? 

Manner  of      The  Candidate  having anfwered  thefe 

ir,s*     queftions  in  the    affirmative,   and  the 

Moderator  having  offered  up  a  prayer  fuitable 

to  the  occafion,  He  lhall  addrefs  himfelf  to  the 

Candidate- 


^       20       ) 

tidate,  toth. 
,       ;  of  the  Lord  Jefus  Chnft, 

Dt0hl3'< 

:tse(  ..wcdolicenfcyou,  to 

Gofoel     wherever  God  in  his  prp\ 

call  you  thereto :  aad,f< 

blcflme  of  God  reft  upos  lto» 

Chriit  fill  your  heart. 

fta'i  -of the  licenfure,  in 

form  ;  r 

rm,  of       At  the 

fc-    the  Prefbytery  of 
cd  fofficient  teflimoiiials,  in  favour  of 
his  having  gone  through  a  regular  courie  ot  li- 
terature ;  of  his  good  mora!  charafter  ;  at.       I 
his  being  in  the  communion  of  tne    < 
proceeded  to  take  the  ufual  parts  of  trial  for  his 
Lcofure  :  And  he  hav  'en  fetisfeftto 

to  his  accomplifliments  in  literature  j   as  to  his 
experimental   acquaintance  with  r 
as  to  his  proficiency  in  Divinity,  and  other  ib> 
dies  ;    the  Prefbytery  did,  and  hereby  dp 
prefc  their  approbation  of  al!  thefe  parts  or . 
and  he  having  adopted  the  Confer.  -anti 

of  this  Church,  and  fatisfafvorily  a  ■  the 

oueftions,  appointed  to  be  pnt  to  Candida, 
be  licenfed,  the  Prefbytery  did,  and  hereby  do 
hcenfe  him,  the  laid  ,  to  preacu  the 

Gofpcl  of  Chrift,  as  a  Probationer  for  the 
m'imftry,  within  the  bounds  of  this  Preftj 
pr  wherever  he  Avail  be  orderly  called 

"When  any  Candidate  null,  l>)  the 
2f?fti*  permiffion  at  bit  Pufbytery.  remove 
,-,cmCr.  without  its  limits,   an  cxtraft  ot 

record,    accompanied  with  a  Prei^yunal   rc- 

itnmendati 


:e  Clerk,  (hall  be  his 
.  to  the  i    .  -    .„ry  under  whofe  care 

Of  the  EUl.  it  ion,  of  B 'flops  or 

ac  When  any  Probationer  j/W/  / 

preached  a  to  the  fatisfa&ion 

on  as  tnat  the  pco- 
Ipleappe-c:.  ;d  to  receive  him  as 

the  SeiHon  fhajl  folicit 
th^  couafel    of  Tome 

iuifter,   ;;  q/fift  them  in  prepar- 
ing a  Gail  for  him  ;  unlefs  highly  inconvenient 
.ccount  of  diftance  :  in  which  cafe  they  may 
proc  ce. 

On  a  Lord's  day,  immediately   af- 

,  it  flia.il  be  intima- 

it,  that  all  themem^ 

-  bers  c  I  eeation  are  requeft* 

.  ..  en  emuing,  at 

the  Church,   or  ufual   fhec  for   holding  public 

and  there,  if  it  be  agreeable  to 

i,  to  prepare  a  C*ii  to  be 

their  Paftor. 

On  the  cay  appointed,  the  Minifler, 

of  whofe  afTiitance   has   been   obtained, 

*!urbut  m"  ^la^  Preacn  a  fermcn,atthe  ufual  fea- 

ters,and  who  fon  for  public  worfliip  ;    and,   after 

fention,  He  fhall  announce  to  the  Peo- 

thefuoportof  pie,  that  he  will  immediately  proceed 

the  Church.      tQ  takc  thc  vorcs  of  the  Eieaors  of  that 

Congregation,  in  the  cafe  of 
whether  or    not  he  fhall  be  chofen  to  be  their 
Mini/ler,     In  this  election,   no  perfon  fhall  be 

entitled 


(      M      ) 

entitled  to  vote,  who  refufes  to  fubmit  to  the 
cenfures  of  the  Church,  regularly  adminiitf* 
or  who  does  not  contribute  his  juft  proportion, 
according  to  his  own  engagements,  or  the  rules 
of  that  Church,  to  all  its  neceffary  expencee. 

when      the       When  the  votes  are  taken,  if  it  ap- 

Peopie        are  -  .  -       ' 

roc     unani    pear  that  a  great  proportion  of  the 

mous  the  Mi-  peop]e  are  averfe  from  the  Candidate, 

certify     the  and   cannot  be  induced  to  concur  in 

-"'J  the  caliche  mmgMwi/ler  (hall  en- 

of  the  Diika-  deavour  to  dilfuade  the  C  tion 

from  profecuting  it  further.  But  if 
the  People  be  nearly,  cr  entirely,  unanimous  ; 
or  if  the  majority  ihall  infill  upon  their  right  to 
call  a  Minifler  ;  then  in  that  cafe,  the  Miniiter, 
after  ufing  his  utmoit  endeavours  to  perfuadc 
the  Congregation  to  unanimity,  mail  proceed  to 
draw  a  call  in  due  form,  and  to  have  it  fubferi- 
bed  by  the  Electors  ;  certifying,  at  the  fame 
time,  the  number  and  circumdances  of  thofe 
who  do  not  concur  in  the  Call  :  all  ivbich'pro- 
c; e dings  fli ail  ht  laid  before  the  Prefbyten  ;-  to- 
gether with  the  call. 

The  form  of       The  Call  mall  be  in  the  following. - 
or  like  form  :   'viz. 
The  Congregation  of  .         being. 

on  fufficient  grounds,  well  fatisfied  of  the  minif- 
terial  qualifications  of  you 
and  having  good  hopes,  from  our  pail:  experi- 
ence of  your  labours,  that  your  miniftratioBS  in 
the  Gofpel  will  be  profitable  to  our  fpiritual  in- 
terefts,  doearneftly  call,  and  defire  you,  to  un- 
dertake the  Paftoral  office  in  faid  Congregation  ; 
promifmgyou,  in  the  dij  of  your  duty,  all 

p.oper  fupport,  encouragement,  and  obedience, 

in 


(       23      ) 

in  th*e  Lord  :  And,  that  you  may  be  free  from 
worldly  cares  and  avocations,  we  hereby  pro- 
mife,  and  oblige  ourfelves,  to  pay  to  you,  the 
fum  of  in  regular  *  payments, 

during  the  time  of  your  being,  and  continuing, 
the  regular  Pallor  of  this  Church.  In  teftimo- 
ny  whereof,  we  have  refpe&ively  fubfcribed  our 
names,  this  day  of  A.  D. 

/Atejhd  by  A.  B.  Moderator  of  the  meeting. 

a  can  may  Butif  any  Congregation  fhall  choofc 
ia-certain ca.  to  fubfcribe  their  Caii,  by  their  El- 
fflibedkyEi-  ders  an<^  Deacons,  or  either,  they  fhall 
iers  or  bea-  be  at  liberty  fo  to  do  :  but  it  fhall,  in 
fuch  cafe,  be  fully  certified,  to  the 
Prefbytery,  by  the  Minifter  who  prefided,  that 
they  have  been  appointed,  for  this  purpofe,  by 
a  public  vote  of  the  Congregation  ;  and  that 
the  Call  has  been,  in  all  other  refpe&s,  prepar- 
ed as  above  directed. 

a  caii  Tbffi-  when  a  Call  fhall  be  prefented  to 
ordination  &  any  Minuter  or  Candidate,  it  mail  aU 
Maimcnt.  wa^s  ^e  viewed  as  a  fufficient  petition 
from  the  people  for  his  inftalment.  The  accep- 
tance of  a  Call,  by  a  Minifter  or  Candidate,  fhall 
always  be  confiderd  as  a  requeft,  on  his  part,  to 
be  inflalled  at  the  fame  time.  And  when  a  Can- 
didate fhall  be  ordained,  in  confequence  of  a 
Call  from  any  Congregation,  the  Prefbytery  fhall 
always,  at  the  fame  time,  ordain  and  inftal  him 
Paftor  of  that  Congregation. 

The 


*  This  blank  to  be  filleJ  up  with  the  words,  quarterly,  half  year- 
ly, or  yearly,  as  may  beft  fuit  the  Cor>giegiti«n. 


(    *< 


The  Call,  thus 
left  -  prci<  ni  ta  tc 

tery. 

t,  if  the  Prefl 

the C all  to  hi 
ed:  And  no  Miniftc.  ididatefli 

Gall,  but  through  the  hand 

If  the  Gall  be  to  t1- 
anoth.  >ytcry,   i 

*  Commiilioners,     deputed     from 
.-.i^tei-    Congregation  to  profecute  the    ( 

(hall  produce,  to  that  Judicatory,    a 
certificate  from  their  own  Preft 
atte!ted  by  the  ? 

are  in  order.       If  that  the 

Call  to  their  Licenr.  he  be  djfpofed  to 

"accept  it,  they  (hall  then  difnifs  him  fro   . 
-jurifdi&ion,  and  require   him  to   repair  to 
Prefbytery,  into  the  bounds  of  which  he  is 
ed,  and  there  to  fubmk  himfeli'to  the  uk: 
preparatory  to  oraigatipn. 

Tri»i«  forOr-       1  rials  fot  ordination,  efpecially 
■dmacion.        ^   different  Prefbytery    from  that   in 

which 


"pc  nds,  on  the  eaf 

ftoutd  A  spoilt,  in  the  a 

tfes  pre 

1 
- 

. 
toral  r« 
gage    t!l 

their  families  of*  the  t 
video  that  fuch  depofed,  fufpended,    01  - 

M 
iy. 


'(      25      ) 

which  the  Candidate  was  licenfed,  (hall  confift 

of  a  careful  examination,  as  to  bis  acquaintance 

with  experimental  religion  ;    as  to  his  knowledge 

of  Philofophy,  Theology,  Ecclefiaftical  hiftory, 

the  Greek  and  Hebrew  languages,  and  fuch  o- 

ther  branches  of  learning  as  to  the  Prefbytery 

may  appear  requifite  ;    and  as  to  bis  knowledge 

of  the  Conflitution,  the  rules   and  principles   of 

the  Government  and  Difcipiine  of  the  Church  ; 

together  with  fuch  written  difcourfes,  founded 

on  the  word  of  God,  as  to  the  Prefbytery  (hall 

feem  proper.     The  Prefbytery,  being  fully  fatis- 

fied  with  his  qualifications  for  the  facred  office, 

fiiall  appoints  convenient  day  for  his  ordination, 

which  ought  to  be,  if  convenient,  in  that  Church 

of  which  he  is  to  be  the  Minifter. 

Prefbytery  be-       The  day  appointed  for  ordination 

led  .fom^a  being  come,  and  the  Prefbytery  con- 

ihaii      be      vened,   a  member  of  the  Prefbytery, 

preached,  ic.  previoufly   appointed   to    that   duty* 

fhall  preach  a  fermon  adapted  to  the  occafion. 
The  fame,  or  another  member  appointed  to  pre*, 
fide  in  this  bufinefs,  fhall  afterwards  briefly  re-* 
cite  from  the  pulpit,  in  the  audience  of  the  peo- 
ple, the  proceedings  of  the  Prefbytery  prepara- 
tory to  this  tranfa&ion  :  He  (hall  point  out  the 
nature  and  importance  of  the  Ordinance  ;  and 
endeavour  to  imprefs  the  audience  with  a  pro« 
per  fenfe  of  the  folemnity  of  the  tranfac"tion„ 

SSSTrf  Then  addreffing  himfclf  to  the  Can- 
thefe'whoare  didate,  he  (hall  propofe  to  him  the  fol« 
ordained.       iowjng  queftions  :  viz. 

I.  Do  you  believe  the  Scriptures,  of  the  Old 
and  New  Teftament,  to  be  the  word  of  God, 
the  only  infallible  rule  of  Faith  and  Practice  ? 
D  IL 


(  26  )' 

adopt,  the 
ConfeiLon  o  this  Church,  as  contain- 

the  fyftem  of  doctrine  taught  in  the  holy 
r 

III.  Do  you  approve  of  the  Government  and 
difcipline  of  the  Preibyttrian  Church,  as  exer- 
Cned  in  thefe  Uaitejd  btates  ? 

IV.  Do  you  promhe  fubjection  to  your  Bre- 
n  in  the  Lord  ? 

V.  Have  you  been  induced,  as  far  as  you 
know  your  own  heart,  to  feek  the  office  of  the 
holy  rninidry,  from  love  to  God,  and  a  fmccre 
defire  to  promote  his  glory  in  the  Gofpel  of  his 
Son  ? 

VI.  Do  you  promife  to  be  zealous  and  faith- 
in  maintaining  the  truths  of  the   Gofpel,  and 

urity  and  peace  of  the  Church  ;  whatever 
cuti on,  or  oppofuion,  may  ariie  unto  you 
on  that  account  ? 

VII.  Do  you  engage  to  be  faithful  and  dili- 
gent, in  the  exercife  of  all  private  and  perfonal 
duties,  which  become  you  as  a  Chriftian  and  a 
Minifter  of  the  Gofpel  ;  as  well  as  in  all  relative 
duties,  and  the  public  duties  of  your  office,  en- 

ouring  to  adorn  the  profeffion  of  the  Gof- 
pel by  your  converfation  \  and  walking,  with  ex- 
emplary piety,  before  the  flock,  ever  which 
God  ihall  make  you  Overfeer  ? 

landidate   having    anfwered 
f  thefe    queftions    in    the     affirmative, 
lle*     the  Moderator  mail  demand  of  the 
People  : 

I.  Do  yon.  the  People  of  this  Congregation, 
continue  to   profefs  your  readinefs  to   receive 
,  whom  you  have  called,  to  be  your 
Min'ifler  ? 

J  II. 


*7     J. 


IF.  Do  you  promife  to  receive  the  word    of 
1  from  his  mouth,  with  meeknefs  and  love  g 
and  to  fubmitto  him,  with  humility,    in  the  due 
cxercife  of  Difcipiine  ? 

III.  Do  you  promife  to  encourage  him,  in  his 
arduous  labour,  and  to  aiiifl  his  endeavours  for 
your  inflruelion  and  fpiritual  edification  ? 

IV.  And  do  you  engage  to  continue  to  himP 
while  he  is  your  Paftor,  that  competent  worldly 
maintenance  which  you  have  promifed;  and  what- 
ever elfe  you  may  fee  needful,  for  the  honour  of 
religion,  and  his  comfort  among,  you  ? 

Mode  of  or-  The  People  having  anfwered  thefe 
queftions,  in  the  affirmative,  by  hold- 
ing up  their  right  hands,  the  Candidate  {hail  kneel 
down,  in  the  moil  convenient  part  of  the 
Church  :  Then  the  prefiding  Bifhop  (hall,  by 
prayer,  and  with  the  laying  on  of  the  hands  of 
the  Prefbytery,  according  to  the  Apoflolic  ex- 
ample, folemnly  ordain  him  to  the  holy  office  of 
the  uofpel  miniftry.  Prayer  being  ended,  he 
fhall  rife  from  his  knees  ;  and  the  Minifler  who 
prefides  (hall  firfl,  and  afterwards  all  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Prefbytery  in  their  order,  take  him 
by  the  right  hand,  faying,  in  words  to  this 
purpofe,  "  We  give  you  the  right  hand  of  Fel- 
lowfhip,  to  take  part  of  this  miniftry  with  us.  *' 
After  which  the  Minifler  prefiding,  or  fome  o- 
ther  appointed  for  the  purpofe,  fhall  give  a  fo- 
lemn  charge,  in  the  name  of  God3  to  the  new- 
ly ordained  Bifhop,  and  to  the  people,  to  perfe- 
vere  in  the  difcharge  of  their  mutual  duties ;  and 
fhall  then,  by  prayer,  recommend  them  both  to 
the  grace  of  God",  and  his  holy  keeping  :  and 
finally,  after  finging  of  a  pfalm,  Jhall  difmifs  the 
Congregation  with  the  ufual  blefling.  And  the 
Prefbytery  fhall  duly  record  the  tranfa&ion. 

Of 


(    *8    ) 

Of  Tra»/!atiffn9  or  removing  a  Miritficr  from  one 
Charge  to  another. 

*"b?ma?e  No  Bifll0P  &a]1  bc  "anflated  from 
bythcPrcf-  one  Church  to  another,  €ior  {hall  he 
byury.  receive  any  Call  for  that  purpofc,  but 
by  the  pcrmifiion  of  the  Prefbytery. 

Mode  of  pro.  Any  Church,  defiring  to  call  a  fet-, 
cedur«  in  tied  Minifler  from  his  prefent  charge, 
tran0ac>on5.  &an9  by  Commiffioners  properly  au- 
thorized, reprefent  to  the  Prefbytery  the  ground 
on  which  they  plead  his  removal.  The  Pref- 
bytery, having  maturely  confidered  their  plea, 
may,  according  as  it  appears  more  or  lefs  rea- 
fonable,  either  recommend  to  them  to  debft  irora 
profecuting  the  Call  ;  or  may  order  it  to  be  de- 
fWred,  to  the.  Minifter  to  whom  it  is  directed, 
together  with  a  written  citation,  to  him  and  his 
Congregation,  to.  appear  before  the  Prefbytery 
at  their  next  meeting.  This  citation  {hall,  be 
read  from  the  pulpit,  in  that  Church,  by  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Prefbytery  appointed  for  that  pur- 
pofe,  immediately  after  public  worfhip  ;  fo  that., 
at  leaft,  two.  fabbaths  (hall  intervene,  betwixt 
the  citatipn,  and  the  meeting  of  the  Prefbyt«ry 
at  which,  the  caufe  of  translation  is  to  be  cenfi- 
dered.  The  Prefbytery,  being  met,  and  having 
heard  the  parties,  (hall,  upon  the  whole  view  of 
the  cafe,  either  continue  him  in  his  former 
charge,  or  translate  him,  as  they  (hall  deem  to  bc 
jmoft  for  the  peace  and  edification  of  the^  Church; 
or  refer  the  whole  affair  to  the  Synod',  at  their 
next  meeting,  for  their  advice  and  direction. 


When 


.(    »9    ) 

Mode  of  pro.  When  the  Congregation,  calling 
crourc :  when  a       faded  Miniiter,  is  within  the '  i n 

the    Minifler         /  ^  ^ 

is  rtnother  mns  or  another  Preibytery,  that  Con- 
fre(by«ry.  grcgarjon  (half  obtain  leave,  from  the 
Prefbytery  to  which  they  belong,  to  apply  to  the 
Prefoytery  of  which  he  is  a  member  :  And  that 
Prefbytery,  having  cited  him  and  his  Congrega- 
tion as  before  directed,  ftiall  proceed  to  hear  anil 
iiTue  the  caufe.  If  they  agree  to  the  tranflatioa, 
they  (hall  reieafe  him  from  his  prefent  charge  ; 
and  having  given  him  proper  teftimonials,  fhail 
require  him  to  repair  to  that  Prefbytery,  widiin 
the  bounds  of  which  the  Congregation  calling 
him  lies,  that  the  proper  fteps  may  be  taken  for 
his  regular  fe- dement  in  that  Congregation  : 
And  the  Prefbytery,  to  which  the  Congregation 
belongs,  having  received  an  authenticated  cer- 
tificate of  his  reieafe,  under  the  hand  of  i  he 
Clerk  of  that  Prefb)  tcry,  fiiall  proceed  to  in- 
ftal  him,  in  the  Congregation,  as  foon  as  conve- 
nient. Provided  always*  that  no  Bifliop  or  Paf. 
tor  (hall  be  tranflated,  without  his  own  con  cut 
previoully  obtained. 

indaiment  When  any  Minifter  is  to  be  fettled  in  a 
conftitutes  Congregation,  the  inftalment.which  con- 
kufioa&c.  ^s  in  conftitutin^  a  paftoral  relation  be- 
tween him  and  the  people  oF  that  parti- 
cular Church,  may  be  performed,  either  by  the 
Prefbytery,  or  by  a  Committee  appointed  ;for 
that  purpofe  ;  as  may  appear  moll  expedient : 
and  the  following  order  (hall  be  obferyed 
therein. 

Notice  of  the  m    A  day  (hall  be  appointed  for  the 
day  tiuft  be  inftalment,  at  fuch  time  as  may  appear 
moft  convenient,  and  due  notice  there- 
of given  to  tfac  Congregation. 

When 


(     30     ) 

a     se-mon       When  I  f^ytery,  or  Coir- 

*     i«-  tee,   fhall  be   convened  and    confticu- 
'  "c'      ted,  on  the  day  appointed,  a   ferx.on 
fliall  be  delivered,  by  fotne  one  of  tl  oers 

prtvi  .uily  appointed  thereto  ;  immediately  after 
which,  the  Bifhop,  who  is  to  prefide,  fliall  Hate 
to  the  Congregation  die  defign  i  meeting 

and  briefly  recite  the  proceedings  of  the  Pref- 
bytery  relative  thereto.  And  then,  addrefliag 
himielf  to  the  Mmijlcr  to  be  inftalied,  (hall  pro- 
pcfeto  him  the  following  or  fimilar  queflions: 

men*  *'    Are  you  noW  V 

s     in  charge  of  this  Congregation,  as  their 
ent™f  Paftor,  agreeably   to  your  declaration 
Mmifter  and  at  accepting  their  Call  ? 

t?t  II.  Do  you  confeientioufly  believe 

and  declare,  as  far  as  you  know  your  own  heart, 
that,  in  taking  upon  you  this  charge,  you  are 
influenced  by  a  lincere  defire  to  promote  the 
glory  of  God,  and  the  good  of  his  Church  r 

III.  Do  you  folemnly  promife,  that,  by  the' 
cjfijtance  of  the  grace  of  God,  you  will  endea- 
vour faithfully  to  difcharge  all  the  duties  of  a 
Paftor  to  this  Congrega; ion,  and  will  be  careful, 
to  maintain  a  deportment  in  all  refpefts  becom- 
ing a  JViinifter  of  the  Gofpel  of  Chrift,  agreea- 
bly to  your  Ordination  engagements  ?  'I  o  all 
thefe  having  received  fatisfactory  anfwers,  He 
propofe  to  the  People  the  fame,  or  like 
queflions,  as  thofe  directed  under  the  head  of 
ordination  ;  which  having  been  alfo  fatisfac*to- 
rily  anfwered,  by  holding  up  th  (it  hand, 

in  tefiimony  of  affent.  He  fhall  folemnly  pro- 
nounce and  declare  the  faid  Minifler  to  be  regu- 
larly conflicted  the  Paftor  of  that  Congrega- 


tion. 


(     3*     ) 

,.  A  charge  fhall  then  be  given  to  both  par- 
ties, as  directed  in  the  affair  of  ordination  ;  and, 
after  prayer,  and  finging  a  pfalm  adapted  to  the 
transaction,  the  Congregation  fhall  be  difmifTcd 
with  the  ufual  benediction. 

oHa-       ^  *s  hi&hty  becoming,  that,  after  the 
ftaii  folcmnity  of  the  inftalment,  the  heads 
;'  of  Families  of  that  Congregation  who 
rhcir  Minif    are  then  prefent,  or  at  lead  the  Elders, 
and  thoft  appointed  to  take  care  of  the 
temporal  concerns  of  that  Church,  fhould  come 
forward  to  their  Paftor,  and  give  him  their  right 
hand,   in  token   of  cordial  reception   and  affec- 
tionate regard. 

Of  refigning  a   Pajloral  Charge, 

The  ccngre.  When  any  Minifter  fhall  labour 
be  cited  and  under  fuch  grievances,  m  his  Congre- 
gation, as  that  he  fhall  defire  leave  to 
refign  his  paftoral  charge,  the  Prefbytery  fhall 
cite  the  Congregation  to  appear,  by  their  Com- 
mifficners,  at  their  next  meeting,  to  fliew  caufe, 
if  any  they  have,  why  the  Prefbytery  fhouid  not 
accept  the  reilgnation.  If  the  Congregation  fail 
to  appear,  or  if  their  reafons  for  retaining  their 
Paflor  be  deemed  by  the  Prefbytery  infufBcient, 
he  fhall  have  leave  granted  to  refign  his  padoral 
charge  ;  of  which  due  record  fhall  be  made, 
and  that  Church  fhall  be  held  to  be  vacant,  till 
fupplied  again,  in  an  orderly  manner,  with  ano- 
ther Minifter  ;  Audi  if  any  Congregation  fhall 
defire  to  be  releafed  from  their  Paftor,  a  fimilar 
procefs,  mutatis  mutandis,  ihall  be  obferved. 

Of 


(     3*     ) 
Of  MiJJions. 

When  vacancies  become  fo  numerous,  In  any 
Prefbytery,   that  they  cannot  be  fupplied  with 
the  frequent  adminiflration  of  the  Word  and  or- 
dinances, it  (hall  be  proper  for  fuch  Prefbytery, 
or  any  vacan.  Congregation  within  their  bounds, 
v.'ith  the  leave  of  the  Prefbytery,  to  apply  to  a- 
ry  other  Prefbytery,  or  to  any  Synod,  or  to  the 
<   eneral  Council,  for  fuch  afiiftance  as  they  can 
i  ford.     And,  when  any  Prefbytery  fhali  fend 
any  of  their  Minifters  or  Probationers  to  difhmt 
vacancies,  the  MuTionary  (hall  be  ready  to  pro- 
duce his  credentials  to  the  Prefbytery   or  Pref- 
byteries,  through  the  bounds  of  which  he  may 
pafs,  or  at  lead  to  a  Committee  thereof,  and  ob- 
tain their  approbation.     And  the  General  Coun- 
cil may,  of  their  own  knowledge,  fend  millions, 
to  any  part,  to  plant  Churches,  or  to  fupply  va- 
cancies :   And,  for  this  purpofe,  may  diie&  any 
Prefbytery  to  ordain    Evangclifts,   or  Minifters 
without  relation  to   particular  Churches  :    Pro- 
vided always,  that  fuch  miffions  be  made  with 
the  confent  of  the  parties  appointed  ;  and  that 
the  Judicatory  fending  them  make  the  neceiTary 
proviiion   for  their  fupport  and  reward  m  the 
performance  of  this  fervice. 

Of  Moderators. 

a  Moderator  It  is  equally  neceiTary  in  the  Judi- 
aeceifcry.  catorjcs  0f  thc  Church,  as  in  other 
afemblies,  that  there  fhould  be  a  Moderator  or 
Prefident ;  that  the  bufmefs  may  be  conducled 
with  order  and  difpatch. 

The 


(     33     ) 

The  authori .  ^he  Moderator  is  to  be  confidered 
of  the  Mode-  as  poffefTing,  by  delegation  from  the 
rator.  whole  body,   all   authority   neceflary 

for  the  prefervation  of  order  5  for  convening 
and  adjourning  the  Judicatory  ;  and  directing 
its  operations  according  to  the  rules  of  the 
Church.  He  is  to  propofe  to  the  judicatory 
every  fubjecT:  of  deliberation  that  comes  before 
them.  He  may  propofe  what  appears  to  him 
the  mod  regular  and  fpeedy  way  of  bringing  a- 
ny  bufinefs  to  ifiiie.  He  (hall  prevent  the  mem- 
bers from  interrupting  each  other  ;  and  require 
them,  in  fpeaking,  always  to  addrefs  the  Chair. 
He  (hall  prevent  a  fpeaker  from  deviating  from 
the  fubject  ;  and  from  ufing  perfonal  reflections. 
He  mall  filence  thofe  who  refufe  to  obey  order, 
He  (hall  prevent  members  who  attempt  to  leave 
the  Judicatory  without  leave  obtained  from  him. 
He  fhall,  at  a  proper  feafon,  when  the  delibera- 
tions are  ended,  put  the  queftion  and  call  the 
votes.  If  the  Judicatory  be  equally  divided  he 
fhall  pofTefs  the  carting  vote..  If  he  be  not  will- 
ing to  decide,  he  mail  put  the  queftion  a  fecond, 
time  :  and  if  the  Judicatory  be  again  equally 
divided,  and  he  decline  to  give  his  vote,  the 
queftion  (hall  be  loft.,  In  all  queftions  he  (hall 
give  a  cencife  and  clear  (late  of  the  objecl:  of 
the  vote  ;  and  the  vote  being  taken,  (hall  then  de- 
clare how  the  queftion  is  decided.  And  be  (hall 
likewife,  when  properly  advifed,  convene  the  Ju- 
dicatory, by  his  circular  letter,  before  the  ordi- . 
nary  time  of  meeting. 
The  Minifter       The   Paftor  of  the   Congregation 

Orator offhe  Ml  ahvays  be  the  Moderator  of  the 

church  Sef-  Church  Seflion  ;    except  when,    for 

prudential  reafons,  it  may  appear  ad~ 

E  vifeable 


C     34     ) 

vifcable  that  fom  '  other  Minifler  fliould  be  invi- 
ted to  prefide  :  in  which  cafe  the  Pail  or  : 
with  the  concurrence  of  the  Seflion,  invite 
other  Minifler  as  they  may  fee  meet,  belonging 
to  the  fame  Prefbytery,  to  prefide  in  that  affair. 
In  this  Judicatory,  therefore,  the  Moderator  is 
continual  :  bur,  in  the  vacancy  of  any  Church, 
the  Moderator  fliall  be  the  Minifter  fent  to  them 
by  the  Prefbytery  ;  or  invited  by  the  SciLon  to 
prefide  on  a  particular  occasion.  In  Congrega- 
tions, where  there  are  Collea  *ucs,  they  mail, 
when  prefent,  alternately  prefide  in  the  Seffion. 

TheModera-       The  Moderator  of  the  Prefbytery 

!her "jw'cl:  fra11  be  chofcn  from  year  to  y^>  or 

tyrie«,  how  to  at  every  meeting  of  the  Prefbytery, 
bc  ch  Kn-  as  the  Prefbytery  may  think  beft. 
The  Moderator,  of  the  Synod,  and  of  the  Gen- 
eral Council,  fliall  be  chofen  at  each  meeting 
of  rhofc  Judicatories  :  and  the  lad  Moderator 
prefent  fliall  open  the  meeting  with  a  ftrmon, 
and  (hall  hold  the  chair  till  a  new  Moderator  be 
chofen. 

Of  Privilege. 

It  fliall  be  the  privilege  of  any  member  of  a 
Judicatory  to  fpeak,  in  his  proper  order,  to  any 
qucition,  with  leave  from  the  Moderator.  The 
Moderator  (hall  give  leave  to  the  perfon  who 
firit  rifes  :  but  if  two,  or  more  members,  are 
judged  to  have  rifen  at  the  fame  time,  the  Mo- 
derator fliall  determine  which  fhall  fpeak  firft. 
Any  member  (hall  have  a  right  to  propofc  any 
queflion,  relative  to  the  bufmefs  of  the  Church, 
or  to  the  intends  of  religion,  and  to  have  it  put 
to  vote  j  provided  only,  that  his  motion  be  fe- 

conded 


{    35    ) 

conded  by  another  member.  If  any 
conceive  his  privelcges  to  be  unjuftly  controuled 
by  the  Moderator,  he  may  appeal  to  the  Judica- 
tory, v/ho  lhall  determine  the  point  of  privilege 
by  a  vote  ;  and  the  Moderator  and  member 
muft  fubmit  to  the  fuffrage  of  the  Judicatory. 

Of  Clerks. 

Every  Judicatory  (hall  choofe  a  Clerk,  to  re- 
cord their  tranfa&ions,  whofe  continuance  {hall 
be  during  pleafure.  It  fhall  be  the  duty  of  the 
Clerk,  befides  recording  the  tranfa&ions,  to  pre- 
ferve  them  carefully  ;  and  to  grant  extracts  from 
them,  whenever  properly  required  :  and  fuch 
extracts,  under  the  hand  of  the  Clerk,  yfttf//  be 
confidered  as  authentic  vouchers,  of  the  fa& 
which  they  declare,  in  any  ecclefiaflical  Judica- 
tory, and  to  every  part  of  the  Church. 

Of  vacant   Congregations  affembling  for   Public 
Worfiip. 

Confidering  that  the  number  of  our  Congre- 
gations is  fo  greatly  fuperior  to  the  number  of 
Minifiers  who  are  to  fupply  them,  and  that  this 
tiifproportion  is  daily  increafmg,  in  the  extend- 
-cd  and  growing  fettlements  on  the  frontiers  ; 
and  confidering  the  great  importance  of  weekly 
affembling  the  people,  for  the  public  worfhip  of 
God  ;  in  order  thereby  to  improve  their  know- 
ledge ;  to  confirm  their  habits  of  worftiip,  and 
their  defire  of  the  public  ordinances  ;  to  aug- 
ment their  reverence/tfr  the  moft  high  God ;  and 
to  promote  the  charitable  aifecTions  which  unuc 
men  moft  firmly  in  fociety  :  It  is  recommended, 
that  every  vacant  Congregation  meet  together, 

w 


(     36     ) 

on  the  Lord's  day,  at  one  or  more  places,  for 
the  purpofe  of  prayct^Jsnging  praifes,  and  read- 
ing the  holy  Scriptures,  together  with  the  works 
of  fuch  approved  Divines,  as  the  Prefbytery, 
Within  whole  bounds  they  are,  may  recommend, 
and  they  may  be  able  to  procure  ;  and  that  the 
Elders  or  Deacons  be  the  perfons  who  (hall  pre- 
side, and  feledt  the  portions  of  Scripture,  and  of 
the  other  books,  to  be  read  ;  and  to  fee  that 
the  whole  be  conducted  in  a  becoming  and  or- 
derly  manner. 

Of  Commi/fioners  to  the  General  Council* 

mi  dinners  The  Commiffioners  to  the  Gene- 
ihaii  be  ap-  ral  Council  mall  always  be  appoint- 
ed, by  the  Prefbytery  from  which 
nifflit  rrcibj-  they  come,  at  irs  laft  rlated  meeting 
immediately  preceding  the  meeting 
of  the  General  Council  \  provided,  that  there 
be  a  fufficient  interval,  between  that  time  ?sA 
the  meeting  of  the  Council,  for  the  CommiiS- 
oncrs  to  attend  their  duty  in  due  feafon  :  other- 
wife,  the  Prefbytery  may  make  the  appointment 
at  any  flated  meeting,  not  more  than  feven 
months  preceding  the  meeting  of  the  Council. 
And  as  much  as  pofTible  to  prevent  all  failure 
in  the  reprefentation  of  the  Prefbyteries,  ariTmg 
from  unforefeen  accidents  to  thofelirfl  appoint- 
ed, it  may  be  expedient  for  each  Prefbytery,  m 
the  room  of  each  Commiflioner,  to  appoint  alfo 
an  alternate  Commiflioner,  to  fupply  his  place, 
in  cafe  of  necefTary  abfence. 
Fnrm   of  a       Each     Commiflioner,     before    his 

Commiffion.     name  jj^jj   ^  enroljed  ^  a  mcmber  of 

the  Council,  fhall  produce,  from  hi9  Prefbytery, 


37    ) 

, million  hand  of  the   Moderator 

and  Clerk,  in  the  following  or  like  form  :  viz. 

"  The  Prefhytery  of  being  met  at 

or.  day  of  dorh 

hereby  appoint  Bilhop  of  the 

Congregation  of  |~or  ruling 

Eider  in  the  Congregation  of  as 

the  cafe  may  be  ;]"   (to  which  the  Prefhytery 
.-.  if  they  think  proper,  make  afubftitution  in 
the  following  form,  "  or  in  cafe  of  his  abfence, 
then  Bifhop  of  the  Congre- 

gation of  [or  ruling  Elder 

in  the  Congregation  of  as  the  cafe  may 

be  :  j")  to  be  a  Commiffioner,  en  behalf  of  this 
Prefhytery,  to  the  next  General  Council  of  the 
Prefbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  A- 
merica,  to  meet  at  on  the  ; 

day  of  A.  D.  cr  wherever,  and 

"Whenever  the  faid  Council  may  happen  to  fit  ; 
to  confult,  vote,  and  determine,  on  all  things 
that  may  come  before  that  body,  according  to 
the  principles  and  constitutions  of  this  Church, 
and  the  Word  of  God.  And  of  his  diligence 
herein,  he  is  to  render  an  account  at  his  return. 
Signed,  by  order  of  the  Prefhytery, 

Moderator. 
Clerk/' 
And  the  Prefhytery  fhall  make  record  of  the 
appointment. 

CommiiTiors  Thefe  commiffions  fhall,  if  poffibles 
^eredbtodth;  be  delivered  to  the  Clerk  of  the 
cierk  at  the  Council,  in  proper  feafon,  that  he  may 
f!lon'  have  the  rolls  of  the  Council  com- 
pleted before  the  firfl  feffion,  CommuTions,  not 
produced  at  the  opening  of  the  Council ^  fiiall  after- 
wards 


(     33     ) 

wards  he  delivered  only  in  the  intervals  1 

the   fcflions.     Every   CommiJJioner  (hall  have   a 

right  to  deliberate   in   the  Council  ;    but  none 

fhall  be  entitled  to  vote,  until  their  names  have 

been  enrolled  by  the  Clerk,  and  their  commif- 

fions  publicly  read,  and  filed  among  ihe  papers 

of  the  Council. 

The  courrii        ^ne  General  Council   fhall    meet, 

fcaii     me  t  at  kail,  once  in  every  year,  on  the 

•  nee  a  year.  rr       /-,  c  i 

luefday  or  and 

afterwards  on  their  own  adjournments.  If  there 
be  not  a  iuirlcient  number,  for  the  tranfaet 
ofbufincfs,  convened  before  12  o'clock,  on  that 
day,  thofe  who  are  prefent  fhall  have  power  to 
adjourn,  from  day  to  day,  till  a  fufficient  num. 
ber  lhall  have  met  to  conftitute  a  Council. 

A-.d  Oiaii  be  ^n  tne  ^a)r>  t0  wnich  the  General 
■■  wth  Council  {lands  adjourned,  and  be- 
tween  the  hours  of  eleven  and  twelve, 
the  Moderator  of  the  lad  General  Council,  if 
prefent  ;  or,  in  cafe  of  his  abfence,  the  fenior 
Minijhr  prefent,  (hall  open  the  meeting  with  a 
fermon.  After  fermon,  the  Members  being 
in  the  houfe  where  the  Council  is  to  hold  its 
fefiions,  the  fame  Miritfter  who  preached  fhall, 
by  prayer,  publicly  implore  the  blefling  and  di- 
rection of  Almighty  God  ;  and  fhall  continue  to 
prefide  till  a  new  moderator  be  chofen.  For 
this  purpofe  he  (hall  call  for  the  commifuons  of 
thofe  prefent  ;  wrhich  being  read,  and  the  names 
of  the  Members  enrolled  in  order,  if  there  be  a 
£>uorum,  they  (ball  chufe  a  Moderator. 
Modtofdif.  Each  fefiion  of  the  Council,  as  of 
fohring  the  all  the  other  Judicatories  of  the 
Church,  fhall  be  introduced  and  con- 
cluded with  prayer.     And  the  whole  bufinefs  of 

tbe 


^     39    ) 

the  Council  being  finifljed^  and  the  vote  being 
takcd  for  diTolving  the  prefent  Council,  the 
Moderator  (hall  lay  from  the  Chair  :  "  By  vir- 
tue of  the  authority  delegated  to  me  by  the 
Church,  let  this  General  Council  be  diffolved  ; 
and  I  do  hereby  diifolve  it,  and  require  another 
Council,  chofen  in  the  fame  manner,  to  meet  at 

on  the  day  of 

A.  D.  ."     After  which   he  fliall  pray, 

and  return  thanks  to  God  for  his  great  mercy 
and  goodnefs,  and  pronounce,  on  thofe  prefenr, 
the  /jpojioiic  benediction. 

lances  of  In  order>  as  far  as  Pebble,  to  pro. 
Senates  ro  cure  a  refpe&abte  and  full  delegation 
be  decayed.  tQ  ajj  our  judicatories,  it  is  proper, 
that  the  expences  of  Minifters  and  Elders*  in 
their  attendance  on  thefe  Judicatories,  be  de> 
frayed,  by  the  bodies  which  they  refpe&itejjf 

Farad  of  Procefs  in  the  Judicatories  of  this  Church. 

With  regard  to  Scandals,  or  oiTences  that 
may  arife  in  our  Churches,  we  agree  to  obferve 
the  following  rules  of  proceeding. 

I.  Inafmuch  as  all  baptized  perfons  are 
Members  of  the  Church,  they  are  under  its 
care,  and  fubjee'r.  to  its  government  and  difci- 
pline  ;  and,  when  they  have  arrived  at  the  years 
of  difcretion,  they  are  bound  to  perform  all  the 
duties  of  Church-members. 

II.  No  accufation  fliall  be  admitted,  a:  the 
fouudation  of  a  procefs  before  an  ecclefiaftical 
Judicatory,  but  where  fuch  offences  are  aliedg- 
ed,  as  appear,  from  the  Word  of  God,  to  merit 
the  public  notice  and  ctnfuie  of  the  Church  : 

and, 


(   4°   ; 

and,  in  the  accufation,  the  rimes,  places,  and 
<.  ire  urn  fiances,  mould  be  afcertained,  if  poilible  ; 
that  the  accufed  may  have  an  opportunity  to 
prove  an  alibi  -}  or  to  extenuate,  or  alleviate  his 
crime. 

III.  No  complaint  or  information,  on  the 
fuhjecT:  of  perfonal  and  private  injuries,  {hall  be 
admitted  ;  unlefs  thofe  means,  of  reconciliation, 
and  of  privately  reclaiming  the  offender,  have 
been  ufed,  which  are  required  by  Chrift,  Mat. 
XVIII.  15,  16.  And,  in  all  cafes,  the  ecclelia- 
ilical  Judicatories,  in  receiving  accufations,  in 
conducting  proceiTec,  cr  inflicting  cenfv 
ought  to  avoid,  as  far  as  pofiible,  the  divulging 
of  offences,  to  the  fcandal  of  the  Church  :  be- 
caufe  the  unneceffary  fpreading  of  fcandal  har- 
dens and  enrages  the  guilty,  grieves  the  godly y 
and  dishonours  religion.  And  if  any  private 
Chriftian  mall  induilrioufly  fpread  the  know- 
ledge of  an  offence,  unlefs  in  profecuting  it  be- 
fore the  proper  Judicatories  .  of  the  Church,  he 
fhall  be  liable  to  cenfare,  as  an  uncandid  flan* 
derer  of  his  brother. 

IV.  When  complaint  is  made  of  a  crime, 
cognizable  before  any  Judicatory,  no  more  (hall 
be  done  at  the  fifft  meeting;  unlefs  by  confent 
of  parties,  than  to  give  the  accufed  a  copy  of 
each  charge  with  the  names  of  the  witneffes  to 
fuppoft  it  ;  and  a  citation  of  all  concerned,  to 
appear  at  the  next  meeting  of  the  Judicatory, 
to  have  the  matter  fully  heard  and  decided. 
Notice  dial!  be  given  to  the  parties  concerned, 
at  Icafl  ten  days,  prcvioufly  to  the  meeting  of 
the  Judicatory. 


(     41      ) 

V.  The  Judicatory,  in  many  cafes,  may  find 
it  more  for  edification,  to  fend  fome  Members  to* 
converfe,  in  a  private  manner,  with  the  accufed 
perfon  ;  and,  if  he  confefs  guilt,  to  endeavour 
to  bring  him  to  repentance  ;  than  to  proceed 
immediately  to  citation. 

VI.  When  an  accufed  perfon,  or  a  witnefs, 
refufes  to  obey  the  citation,  he  mail  be  cited  a 
fecond  and  a  third  time  ;  and  if  he  {till  continue 
to  refufe,  he  mall  be  excluded  from  the  com- 
munion of  the  Church,  for  his  contumacy  ;  un- 
til he  repent. 

VII.  No  crime  {hall  be  confidered  as  eftablifli- 
ed  by  a  fmgle  witnefs. 

VIII.  The  oath,  or  affirmation,  to  be  taken 
by  a  witnefs,  mail  be  in  the  following,  or  like 
terms  :  "  I  folemnly  promife,  in  the  prefence 
of  the  omnifcient  and  heart-fearching  God,  that 
/will  declare  the  truth,  the  whole  truth,  and 
nothing  but  the  truth,  according  to  the  bed:  of 
my  knowledge,  in  the  matter  in  which  /  am  call- 
ed to  witnefs,  as  /  {hall  anfwer  it  to  the  great 
Judge  of  quick  and  dead." 

IX.  The  trial  mail  be  open,  fair,  and  impar- 
tial :  '  the  witnefles  fliall  be  examined  in  the 
prefence  of  the  accufed,  or  at  lead  after  he  mail 
have  received  due  citation  to  attend  ;  and  he 
(hall  be  permitted  to  aflc  any  queflions  tending 
to  his  own  exculpation. 

X.  No  witnefs,  afterwards  to  be  examined, 
fliall  be  prefent,  during  the  examination  of  ano- 
ther witnefs,  on  the  fame  caufe. 

XI.  The  teftimony,  given  by  witnefles,  muft 
be  faithfully  recorded,  and  read  to  them,  for 
their  approbation  or  fubfeription, 

f  in. 


C     4*     ) 

III.  The  judgment  (hall  be  regularly  enter- 
ed on  the  records  of  the  Judicatory  ;  and  the 
parties  (hall  be  allowed  copies  of  the  whole  pro- 
ceedings, if  they  demand  them  :  And,  in  cafe  of 
references  or  appeals,  the  Judicatory  appealed 
from  fliall  fend  authentic  copies  of  the  whole 
procefs  to  the  higher  Judicatories. 

XIII.  The  perfon  found  guilty  (hall  be  ad- 
monifhed,  or  rebuked,  or  excluded  from  Church 
privileges,  as  the  cafe  fhall  appear  to  deferve  ; 
and  this  only  till  he  give  fatisfa&ory  evidence  of 
repentance. 

XIV.  The  fentence  fhall  be  publifhed,  only 
in  the  Church  or  Churches  which  have  been  of- 
fended :  or,  if  it  be  a  matter  of  fmall  import- 
ance, and  it  fhall  appear  mod  for  edification 
not  to  publifh  it,  it  may  pafs  only  in  the  Ju- 
dicatory. 

XV.  Suchgrofs  offenders,  as  will  not  be  re- 
claimed by  the  private  or  public  admonitions  of 
the  Church,  are  to  be  cut  off  from  its  commu- 
nion, agreeably  to  our  Lord's  direction,  Mat. 
XVIJL  17.  and  the  Apoflolic  injunction   refpect- 

ing  the  incefluous  perfon,    /  Cor.    V.  1 5. 

But  as  this  is  the  higheft  cenfure  of  the  Church, 
and  of  the  mofl  folemn  nature,  it  is  not  to  be 
injlided^  without  the  advice  and  confent  of,  at 
leaft,  the  Prefbytery  under  whofe  care  the  par- 
ticular Church  is,  to  which  the  otfender  belongs  ; 
or  the  advice  of  a  higher  Judicatory,  as  the  cafe 
may.  appear  to  require. 

XVI.  All  procefTes,  in  cafes  of  fcandal  fhall 
commence,  within  the  fpace  of  one  year,  after 
the  crime  fhall  have  been  committed  j  unlefs 
it  fliall  have  become  recently  flagrant, 

XVIL 


(     43     ) 

XVII.  When  any  Member  mall  remove  from 
one  Congregation  to  another,  he  mall  produce 
proper  teftimoiiials  of  his  Church-memberfhip, 
before  he  be  admitted  to  Church-privileges  ; 
unlefs  the  Church,  to  which  he  removes,  has  o- 
ther  fatisfactory  means  of  information. 

Of  Procefs  againji  a  Bi/hop  or  Mini/ler. 

As  the  fuccefs  of  the  Gofpel,  in  a  great  mea- 
fure,  depends  upon  the  credit  and  good  report  of 
its  Minifters,  each  Prefbytery  ought,  "with  the 
greateft  attention,  to  watch  over  all  their  Mem- 
bers ;  and  to  be  careful  to  cenfure  them,  when 
neceflary,  with  impartiality  ;  cither  for  perfonal 
crimes,  which  they  may  commit  in  common  with 
other  men  :  or  thofe  that  are  vocational,  arifing 
from  the  manner  in  which  they  may  difcharge 
their  important  office. 

I.  Procefs,  againft  a  Gofpel  Minifter,  mail 
always  be  entered  before  the  Prefbytery  of 
which  he  is  a  member  :  But^  in  cafe  of  crimes 
committed  without  the  limits  of  that  Prefbytery, 
evidence  fliall  be  taken,  at  the  inftance  of  the 
Prefbytery  within  which  the  offence  has  been 
committed  ;  and  the  whole  proof,  authentica- 
ted under  the  hand  of  the  Moderator  and 
Clerk,  (hall  be  tranfmitted  to  the  Judicatory  be* 
fore  which  he  is  to  be  tried. 

II.  Procefs,  againft  a  Gofpel  Minifter,  fhall 
Hot  be  entered  upon  ;  unlefs  fome  perfon  or 
perfons  undertake  to  make  out  the  charge  ;  or 
when  common  fame  fo  loudly  proclaims  the  fcan- 
dal,  that  the  Prefbytery  find  it  ncceifary  to  pro- 
fecute,  and  ftarch  into  the  matter,  for  the  ho- 


nour of  religion. 


IIL 


(     44     ) 

III.  The  fuccefs  of  the  Gofpel  greatly  de- 
pends on  the  anblemified  character  of  its  Mini- 
ni/lers,  their  foundnefs  in  the  Faith,  and  holy, 
and  exemplary  converfation.  It  is  the  duty  of 
all  Cbriflians  to  be  very  cautious  in  taking  up  an 
ill  report  of  any  man,  but  efpecially  of  a  Mini- 
fter of  the  Gofpel.  If,  therefore,  any  man 
know  a  Minifter  guilty  of  a  private  cenfurable 
fault,  he  fhould  warn  him  in  private  ;  but  if 
he  perfift  in  it,  or  it  become  public,  he  fhould 
apply,  to  fome  other  Bifhop  of  the  Prefbytery, 
for  his  advice  in  the  matter. 

IV.  When  complaint  is  laid  before  the  Pref- 
bytery,  it  muft  be  reduced  to  writing,  and  no- 
thing farther  be  done  at  the  firft  meeting,  unlefs 
by  confent  of  parties,  than  giving  the  Minifter 
a  full  copy  of  the  charges,  with  the  names  of 
the  witneifes  annexed  thereto  ;  and  citing  all 
parties,  and  their  witnefles,  to  appear  and  be 
heard  at  the  next  meeting  ;  which  meeting 
fhall  not  be  fooner  than  ten  days  after  fuch 
citation. 

V.  At  the  next  meeting  of  the  Prefbytery, 
the  charges  mud  be  read  to  him,  and  his  an- 
fwers  heard  and  recorded.  If  it  appear  neceffa- 
ry  to  proceed  farther,  the  Prefbytery  ought  to 
labour  to  bring  him  to  confeflion  ;  and  if  h« 
confefs,  and  the  matter  be  bafe  and  flagitious  ; 
fuch  as  drunkennefs,  uncleannefs,  or  crimes  of  a 
higher  nature  ;  however  penitent  he  may  ap- 
pear, to  the  fatisfa&ion  of  all,  the  Prefbytery 
inu ft,  without  delay,  fufpend  him  from  the  ex- 
crcife  of  his  office,  or  depofe  him  from  the  mi- 
ni dry  ;  and  appoint  him  a  due  time  to  confefs 
publicly  before  the  Congregation  offended,  and 
t9  profefs  his  repentance. 

VI 


(     45     ) 

VI.  The  profecutor  fhall  be  previoufly  Warn- 
ed, that,  if  he  fail  to  prove  the  charges,  he  mull 
himfelf  be  cenfured,  as  a  flanderer  of  the  Got- 
pel  miniftry. 

VII.  If  a  Minifler,  accufed  of  atrocious 
crimes,  being  three  times  duly  cited,  mall  refufs 
to  attend  the  Prefbytery,  he  mud  be  immediate- 
ly fufpended  :  and  if,  after  another  citation,  he 
(till  refufe  to  attend,  he  ihall  be  depofed  as  con- 
tumacious. 

VIII.  If  the  Minifler,  when  he  appears,  will 
not  confefs,  but  denies  the  fa£h  alledged  againft 
him  ;  if,  on  hearing  the  witneffes,  the  charges 
appear  important  and  well  fupported,  the  Pref-^ 
bytery  mud,  neverthelefs,  cenfure  him  ;  and 
fufpend  or  depofe  him,  according  to  the  nature 
of  the  offence. 

IX.  Herefy  and  fchifm  may  be  of  fuch  a  na- 
ture as  to  infer  depofition  :  but  errors  ought  to 
be  carefully  confidered  j  whether  they  fbrike  at 
the  vitals  of  religion,  and  are  induftriouily 
fpread  ;  or  whether  they  arife  from  the  weak- 
ness of  the  human  understanding,  and  are  not 
likely  to  do  much  hurt. 

X.  A  Minifter,  under  procefs  for  herefy  or 
fchifm,  fhould  be  treated  with  chriftian  and  bro- 
therly tendernefs  ;  frequent  conferences  ought 
to  be  held  with  him,  and  proper  admonitions 
adminiftred  :  yet,  in  fome  more  dangerous  cafes, 
iufpenfion  becomes  neceffary;  but  a  Synod  fhould 
be  confulted  in  fuch  cafes. 

XI.  If  the  Prefbytery  find,  on  trial,  that  the 
matter  complained  of  amounts  to  no  more  than 
fuch  a&s  of  infirmity,  as  may  be  amended  and  the 
People  fatisfied,  fo  as  little  or  nothing  remains  to 
hinder  his  ufefulnefs  ;  they  ihall  take  all  pru- 
dent meairufcs  to  remove  the  offence. 

XIL 


(     4-6 

XII.  A  Minifter,  depofed  for  fcandalous 
conduct,  may  not  be  reilored,  on  his  deeped 
forrow  for  tin,  without  fome  time  of  eminent  and 
exemplary,  humble  and  edifying  converfation, 
to  heal  the  wound  made  by  his  fcandal. 

XIII.  As  foon  as  a  Minifter  is  depofed,  his 
Congregation  fhall  be  declared  vacant. 


CONFESSION    OF   FAITH. 

Chap.    XX. 

IV.     And  becaufe  the   powers  which   God 
hath  ordained,  and   the  liberty   which    Chrift 
hath  purchafcd,  are  not  intended  by  God  to  de- 
flroy,  but  mutually  to  uphold  and  preferve  one 
another;  they    who,  upon    pretence  of  Chrif- 
tian  liberty,  fhall  oppofe  any  lawful    power,  or 
the  lawful  exercife  of  it,  whether  it  be  civil  or 
ecclefiadical,  rend  the  ordinance  of  God.     And 
for  their  publifhing  of  fuch  opinions,   or  main- 
taining of  fuch  practices,  as  are  contrary  to  the 
light    of  nature,    or  to  the  known  principles  of 
Chridianity,  whether  concerning  faith,  worfhip, 
or  converfation  ;  or  to  the  power  of  godlinefs  ; 
or  fuch  erroneous  opinions  or  practices, as  either, 
in  their  own  nature,   or  in  the  manner  of  pub- 
lifhing or  maintaining  them,  are  dedru&ive  to 
the  external  peace  and  order  which  Chrid  hath 
edablifhed  in  the   Church  ;   rhey  may  lawfully 
be  called  to   account,  and  proceeded  againft  by 
the  cenfures  of  the  Church. 

Chap.     XXIIL 

III.  Civil  Magifl rates  may  not  affume  to 
themfelves  the  ad  mini  drat  ion  of  the  Word  and 
Sacraments  ;  or  the  power  of  the  keys  of  the 
kingdom  of  Heaven  ;  or,  in  the  lead,  interfere 
in  matters  of  Faith.  Yet,  as  nurfmg  Fathers, 
it  is  the  duty  of  Civil  Magidrates  to  protect  the 
Church  of  our  common  Lord,  without  giving 
the  preference  to  any  denomination  of  Chrif- 
tians  above  the  red,  in  fuch  a  manner,  that  all 
ecclefiadical  perfons  whatever  (hall  enjoy  the 

full, 


(     48     ) 

full,  free,  and  unqueftioned  liberty  of  difchj 
ing,  every  part  of  their  iacred  fun&ion,  without 
violence  or  danger.  And,  as  Jefus  Chrift  hath 
appointed  a  regular  Government  and  Difcipline 
in  his  Church,  no  Law,  of  any  Commonwealth, 
fliould  interfere  with,  let,  or  hinder,  the  due 
exercife  thereof,  among  the  voluntary  members 
of  any  denomination  of  Chriftians,  accor 
to  their  own  profeffion  and  belief.  It  is  the  du- 
ty of  Civil  Magiftrates  to  protect  the  perfon 
and  good  name  of  all  their  people,  in  fuch  an 
effectual  manner  as  that  no  perfon  be  fuffered, 
either  upon  pretence  of  religion  or  of  infidelity, 
to  offer  any  indignity,  violence,  abufe,  or  injury 
to  any  other  perfon  whatsoever  :  and  to  take 
order,  that  all  religious  and  eccleiiadical  Af- 
femblies  be  held,  without  moleftation  or  dif^ 
turbance. 

Chap.     XXXI. 

I.  *  For  the  better  government  and  further 
edification  of  the  Church,  there  ought  to  be 
fuch  AlTemblies  as  are  commonly  called  Synods 
or  Councils  :  and  it  belongeth  to  the  Overfeert 
and  other  Rulers  of  the  particular  Churches, 
by  virtue  of  their  office,  and  the  power  which 
Chrift  hath  given  them  for  edification  and  not 
for  dcftrucYion,  to  appoint  fuch  AlTemblies  ;  and 
to  convene  together  in  them,  as  often  as  they 
fhall  judge  it  expedient  for  the  good  of  the 
Church. 


•     This  u  propofed  to  befubjiituted  in  'ream  tfthef*rj  and 
.iondjcRion*  of  this  Cbapttr. 


C     49     ) 


T    H'  E 

DIRECTORY, 

.FOR       THE 

Public  Worshiip    of  God5 

OF      THE 

PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH, 

IN       THE 

United  States  of  AMERICA  ; 

As  revifcd  by  the  Committee  of  Synod  appointed 
for  that  Purpofe0 

Let  all  things  be  done  decently ,  and  in  order* 

i  Cor,  XIV,  4C0 


So     ) 


O      Isf      T      E      N      T      S, 


Preface, 

Of  the  S  a  notification  of  the  Lord's  Day. 

Of  the  Affcmbling  of  the  Congregation^  &c. 

Of  the  public  reading  of  the  holy  Scriptures. 

Of  the  fin gin g  of  Pfahns. 

Of  public  Prayer  before  Sermon. 

Of  the  Preaching  of  the  Wq;  d. 

Of  Prayer  after  Sermon. 

Of  the  Adminifl*  at  ion  of  Baptifm. 

Of  the  A dminijl ration  of  the  Lord's  Sapper. 

Of  the  Admiffion  of'Perfons  to  Scaihg-Ordinances. 

Of  the  Mode  of  injlicling  Church -Cenfures. 

if  the  Solemnization  of  Marriage. 

Of  the  Vifttation  of  the  Sick, 

Of  the  Bu  ial  o    the  Dead. 

Of  Fafling  ;  and   of  the  Obfervatien  of  Bays  of 

lhankf giving. 
Of  the  Ordination  of  Miniflers  of  the  Gofpel. 
The  Directory  j  or  Secret  and  Family  Worfhip. 


(    S'     > 

PREFACE. 

THE  Preibyterian  Church  in  America,  from 
fmall  beginnings,  through  the  great  good- 
nefs  of  God,  hath  rifen  to  be  a  numerous  and 
refpe&able  body.  It  is  of  the  lad  importance, 
that  great  care  be  taken  to  prefcrve,  in  this  ex- 
teniive  community,  not  only  foundnefs  of  doc- 
trine, but  alfo  purity  of  manners,  and  regularity 
of  worihip. 

This  Church  firmly  believes,  that  her  doc- 
trines, and  modes  ofworfhip.  are  moll  agreeable 
to  the  Word  of  God  ;  to  the  Practice  of  the 
Primitive  Church  in  the  three  fird  Centuries  ; 
and  to  the  bed  reformed  Churches.  She  thinks 
it  the  indsfpenfible  duty  of  all  her  people,  to  ufe 
their,  utmoft  endeavours,  to  have  regular  fettled 
Miniders  of  their  own  perfuafion  ;  and  dated 
worfhip,  in  their  own  way,  every  Lord's  day. 

At  the  fame  time,  the  Pr?foyterian  Church 
maintains  a  high  refpeft  for  the  other  Protectant 
Churches  of  this  Country  ;  though  feveral  of 
them  diifer-  from  her  in  fome  forms  of  govern- 
ment and  Modes  ofworfhip:  particularly  for  the 
regular  Congregational  Churches  to  the  eadward; 
for  the  AiTociate,  Low  Dutch,  and  German,  re- 
formed Churches  ;  and  for  the  Lutheran  and 
Epifcopal  Churches. 

In  places  where  there  are  only  a  few  Prefby- 
terians,  and  they  are  not  able  to  have  worftvp 
ufually  in  their  own  way  ;  it  is  recommended  to 
them,  to  attend  with  the  Chridim  brethren,  of 
any  of  the  above  denominations,  which  may  be 
mod  convenient,  rather  than  fpend  their  Sab- 
baths without  public  worfhip.  But  this  Church 
Warns  all  her  People  againd  illiterate,  vagrant, 

and 


(      52      ) 

and  defigning  perfbns,  who,  under  pretence  of 
^ca'  and  (Irictnefs  than  orhers,  only  go  a- 
bout  to  make  a  party.  It  is  much  better  for 
them,  to  ft  ly  at  home  on  the  Lord's  day  with 
their  families,  than  to  encourage  thofe  men,  who, 
by  condemning  regular, known  and  pious  Church- 
ive  too  much  reafon  to  fufpect  that  their  uwn 
views  are  dangerous  and  wrong. 

Al  hough  the  Prefoyterian  Church  believes 
her  Government  and  worfhip,  as  well  as  hrr 
Faith,  to  be  the  pureft  and  bed  ;  yet  thefe  are 
far  from  being  perfect.  This  imperfection, 
however,  is  not  fo  much  in  her  conflitution,  as 
in  carrying  her  government,  and  modes  of  wor- 
fhip into  effect.  rJ  he  Form  of  government  and 
difcipline  is  intended  to  obviate  the  imperfection, 
in  the  one  cafe  ;  and  the  following  directory  for 
W  or  (hip,  in  the  other. 

One  great  and  apparent  imperfection,  attend- 
ing the  public  worfhip  of  this  Church,  as  well  as 
that  of  other  denominations  (for  which  we  have 
great  reafon  to  be  deeply  humbled  before  God) 
is  the  manifeft  deficiency  of  folemn  gravity,  holy' 
reverence,  and  a  devotional  fpirit,  in  the  time  of 
performing  divine  fervice.  It  is  abfolutely  ne- 
ceiTary  that  fomething  be  done  to  revive  the  fpi- 
rit and  appearance  of  devotion.  Where  there 
is  real  devotion  ;  there  the  appearance  of  it  will 
be.  This,  we  doubt  nor,  is  the  cafe  with  a  num- 
ber, through  divine  grace,  in  all  our  Congrega- 
tions. It  is  readily  granted,  that  there  may  be 
the  appearance,  without  the  fpirit  of  devotion  ; 
but  there  cannot  be  the  fpirit,  without  the  ap- 
pearance :  and,  did  we  attend  more  to  the  ap- 
pearance, it  might  have  a  happy  tendency  to  a- 
waken  and  revive  a  devotional  fpirit. 

Many 


t     53     ) 

Many  things  feem  to  contribute  to  banifh  the 
appearance  of  devotion  from  our  worfhipping 
Aifemblies. 

I.  Perfons  going  out  and  in,  during  divine  ft  r- 
vice,  is  an  odious  practice.  It  is  hi^h'y  offcnfiyc 
to  God,  difturbs  the  Congregation,  and  man 
their  worfhip  ;  and  is  never  to  be  a!!< v>ed,  but 
in  cafes  ofabfolatc  neccfiity.  '1  he  Rulers  <f 
every  Church  ought  to  be  careful  to  cprrttt  this 
diforder. 

II.  Another  evil,  increafing  in  our  public  wor- 
fhip, and  tending  to  deftroy  the  fpirit  and  appear- 
ance of  devotion,  is,  that  many,  in  fome  oi  our 
Congregations,  do  nut  join  in  fmging  the  praiies 
of  God.  Every  perfon  ought  to  keep  his  eyes 
fixed  upon  his  hook,  his  heart  en  ;aged,  and  his 
voice  employed  in  this  delightful  fervice  ;  and 
to  fing,  with  folemn  reverence  and  compofure, 
as  in  the  prefence  of  the  mod:  High.  None 
can  juftly  pretend,  as  an  excufe,  their  want  of 
voice,  or  their  want  of  an  ear  for  mufie  ;  for 
there  is  no  perfon  who  cannot,  at  leaft  in  a  low 
voice,  follow  the  tune  :  And,  if  the  Officers  of 
the  Church  be  careful,  that  all  have  booKs  and 
do  fing,  there  is  reafon  to  hope,  that,  with  the 
divine  bleffing,  the  fpirit  and  appearance  of  de- 
votion will  be  reflored  to  this  branch  of  our 
worfliip. 

III.  There  is  a  want  of  devotion,  awfully  ap- 
parent in  our  Congregations,  during  the  time  cf 
public  prayer.  Some  are  gazing  about,  fomc 
turning  their  back  to  the  Minifter,  and  others 
putting  themfelves  into  different  attitudes  of  eafe ; 
and  but  few,  either  are  in  the  poflure,  or  have 
the  appearance  of  devotion.  It  is  the  indifpenfi- 
ble  duty  of  the  whole  Congregation,   ferioufly 

and 


C     54     ) 

and  devoutly,  to  join  with  the  Minifter  in  offer- 
ing up  the  defires  of  their  hearts  unto  God, 
liiere  ought  not  to  be  a  wandering  heart,  a  ga- 
zing eye,  a  cartlefs  or  indevout  pofture.  in  any 
part  of  divine  fervice.  The  fcriptural  pofturea, 
in  prayer,  are,  in  general,  (landing  or  kneeling  ; 
the  former  of  which  is  in  ufe,  with  us,  in  the 
Church  ;  and  the  latter,  in  the  Family.  In  this 
duty,  All  ought  to  put  themfelves  into  the  mod 
devout  attitude,  as  in  the  prefence  of  the  holy 
God,  having  their  eyes  fixed,  covered  orclofed  ; 
and  fo  continue  throughout  the  whole  of  the 
fervice  :  and  we  doubt  not  but  a  due  attention 
to  the  pofture  in  prayer  would  have  a  happy 
tendency  to  bring  on  a  praying  frame  of  mind, 
and  to  revive  a  devotional  fpirit. 

IV.  As  the  reading  of  the  holy  Scriptures  is 
a  very  important  part  of  divine  worfhip,  it  is 
much  to  be  lamented,  that  this  mould  be  negle£h 
ed  in  any  of  our  Congregations.  It  is  provided 
for,  in  die  Directory,  that,  where  it  has  not  been 
ufed,  it  fhould  be  introduced  and  faithful'? 
pra&ifed.  In  order  to  give  folcmnity  to  this  part 
of  worfhip,  and  to  teftify  our  reverence  for  the 
Word  of  God,  it  would  be  decent,  and  not  im- 
proper, for  the  whole  Congregation  to  ftand  up, 
during  the  reading  of  the  Scriptures  ;  is  was  the 
ufi^e  under  the  Old  Teftamentdifpenfation,  and 
among  the  primitive  Chriftians.  It  is  alfo  re- 
commended,  that  all  have  their  Bibles  ;  and 
that  they,  fiiently  and  devoutly,  follow  the  Mini- 
fter while  he  is  reading.  Thus  the  fpirit  of  de- 
votion will  be  promoted  and  cheriihed. 

V.  There  are  alfo  fome  things  amifs,  while 
the  Minifter  is  preaching,  which  fliould  be  cor- 
pc&ecL     None  ought  to  Hand  up  ;  much  lefs  to 

turn 


(    55    ) 

turn  their  back  upon  the  Minifter  ;  to  place 
thcmfelvcs  in  fluggifli  or  carelefs  poflurcs  ;  or 
to  indulge  to  fkep,  whifpering  or  laughing.  .All 
ought,  ferioufly  and  gravely,  to  attend  to  the 
whole  of  the  inftru£tion  or  exhortation  ;  and  to 
receive  it  with  faith  and  love.  Were  thefe 
thiLgs  duly  obfcrved,  during  the  preaching  of  the 
Word,  there  would  probably  be  fewer  com- 
plaints among  us  of  its  want  of  fuccefs. 

Now  may  God,  of  his  infinite  mercy,  grant, 
that  folemn  reverence,  and  a  devotional  fpirit, 
may  be  revived  and  flourifh,  in  all  our  Churches^ 
through  Jefus  Chrilt  our  Lord.     Arftsn* 


THE 


(    5<*    ) 
T    II    E 

DIRECTORY,     &c. 

Of  the  Sanaificatlon   ef  the  Lord's  Day. 

IT  is  the  duty  of  every  perfon  to  remember 
the  Lord's  Day,  and  to  prepare  for  it,  before 
its  apnroach.  All  worldly  bufmefs,  mould  be  fo 
ordered,  and  feaibnably  laid  afide,  as  that  we  may 
not  be  hindered  thereby  from  fan&ifying  the  Sab- 
bath,  as  the  holy  Scriptures  require- 

The  whole  day  is  to  be  kept  holy  to  the  Lord, 
and  to  be  employed  in  the  public  and  private 
exercifes  of  religion.  Therefore,  it  is  requifite, 
that  there  be  an  holy  retting,  all  the  day,  from 
unneceiTary  labours;  and  an  abftaining  from  thofe 
recreations,  which  may  be  lawful  on  other  days  ; 
and  alfo,  as  much  as  poilible,  from  worldly 
thoughts  and  convevfanon. 

Let  the  provifions,  for  the  fupport  of  the  fami- 
ly on  that  day,  be  fo  ordered,  that  fervants  or 
others  be  not  improperly  detained  from  the  pub- 
lic worfhip  of  God;  nor  hindered  from  faucli tying 
the  Sabbath. 

Let  every  perfon  and  family,  in  the  morning, 
bv  fecret  and  private  prayer,  for  themfelves  and 
others,  efptcially  for  i he  affifhnce  of  God  to 
their  Miniftcr,  and  for  a  blcffing  upon  h  s  mim- 
ftry  ;  bv  reading  the  fcriptures  ;  and  by  holy 
meditation  ;  prepare  for  communion  with  God 
in  his  public  ordinances. 

The 


(    57    ) 

Let  the  people  be  careful  to  affemble  at  the 
appointed  time,  that,  being  all  prefent  at  the  be* 
ginning,  they  may  unite,  with  one  heart,  in  all  the 
parts  ©f  public  worfhip  :  and  let  none  unnecefTa- 
rily  depart,  till  after  the  bfefling  be  pronounced. 

Let  the  time,  after  the  folemn  fervices  of  the 
congregation  in  public  are  over,  be  fpent  in  read- 
ing ;  meditation  ;  repeating  of  fermons  ;  cate- 
chifing  ;  religious  converfation  ;  prayer  for  a 
blefling  upon  the  public  ordinances  ;  the  finging 
of  pfalms,  hymns,  or  fpiritual  fongs  ;  viliting  the 
fick  ;  relieving  the  poor  ;  and  in  performing 
fuch  like  duties  of  piety,  charity  and  mercy. 

Of  the  affembling  of  the  Congregation^  and  their 
behaviour  during  Divine  Service, 

When  the  time  appointed  for  public  worfhip 
is  come,  let  the  people  enter  theChurch,  and  take 
their  feats,  in  a  decent,  grave,  and  reverent  man- 
ner. And,  after  the  Congregation  is  aflembled, 
the  Miniftcr  fhall  begin  the  fervice  with  prayer, 
to  the  following  purpofe  : 

i  Holy,  holy,  holy,  Lord  God  Almighty,  who 

*  art,  and  waft,  and  art  to  come  ;  We,  who  are 
'  unworthy  of  the  leafl:  of  all  thy  mercres,  humbly 
'  prefent  ourfelves  in  thy  courts,  to  offer  homage, 

*  adoration,  and  praife,to  Thee,  our  Creator,  our 

*  Redeemer,  and  our  God.  Enable  us,  O  Lord, 
i  by  thy  good  Spirit,  to  attend  to  the  holy  duties 

*  to  which  thou  art  calling  us  at  this  time,  without 

*  diftra&ion  of  mind,and  with  reverence  and  godly 

*  fear.  Admit  us,  we  befeech  thee,  with  humble 

*  boldnefs,  to  enter  into  the  holieft,  by  the  blood 

*  of  Jefus,  by  the  new  and  living  way,  which  he 

*  hath  confecrated  for  us,  through  the,  vail.— — 

H  Inftruft 


c  Inilruet  us  from  thy  holy  word.  May  we  read 
fc  it  wiih  wife  and  understanding  hearts.  Prepare 
c  us  for  tinging  thy  praiics,that  we  may  make  me- 
?  lody  In  pur  hearts  unto  the  Lord,  and  oiler 
c  up  an  acceptable  fervice  to  our  God.     Teach 

*  us  to  pray,  infpire  us  with  a  fpirit  of  devotion, 

*  enable  us  to  exercife  faith  in  all  the  parts  of 
c  divine  worfhip.      And  let  all    be  done   to  the 

*  glory  of  the  Father*  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
'  Holy  Ghoft;  and  graciouily  accept  us,  through 
c  Jefus  Chriit  our  Lord.    Amen? 

This,  and  all  the  other  prayers  in  the  Direc- 
tory, may  and  ought  to  be  varied,  according  to 
the  variety  of  circumftances  which  may  occur  ; 
agreeably  to  the  views  and  judgment  of  every 
miniilcr.  Thus  the  fpirit  of  prayer  will  be  en* 
couraged  ;  and  the  undue  rcftraint  of  this  fpirit, 
which  is  the  too  frequent  effect,  of  Forms  of  pray- 
er, will  be  guarded  againft. 

In  the  time  of  public  wTorihip,  let  all  the  peo- 
ple attend  with  gravity  and  reverence  ;  forbear- 
ing to  read  any  thing,  except  what  the  minifler 
is  then  reading  or  citing  ;  abflaining  from  all 
whifperings,  from  falutations  of  perfons  prefent 
or  coming  in  ;  and  from  gazing  about,  fleeping^ 
fmiling,  and  all  other  indecent  behaviour. 

W  any  one  be  prevented  from  being  prefent  at 
the  beginning  of  fervice,  he  ought  not,  when  he 
enters  the  Church,  to  betake  himfelf  to  his  pri- 
vate devotion  ;  but  to  compofe  his  mind,  and 
reverently  join  in  the  public  worlhip,  with  the 
Congregation. 

f      l be  public  rending  ef  the  Holy  Scriptures. 

The  reading  or  the  holy  Scriptures,  in  the  Con* 
gregation,  is  a  part  of  the  public  worihip  of  God; 

ui4 


(    59    ) 

and  ought  to  be  performed  by  the  Minlflers  and 
Teachers. 

All  the  canonical  books,  of  the  old  and  new 
Teftament,  (ha!!  be  publicly  read,  from  the  moft 
approved  tranflation,  in  the  vulgar  tongue,  that 
all  may  hear  and  underfland. 

How  large  a  portion  (hall  be  read  at  once  is 
left  to  the  difcretion  of  every  Minifter  :  howe- 
ver, in  each  fervice,  he  ought  to  read,  at  lead, 
one  chapter  ;  and  more,  when  the  chapters  are 
fliort,  or  the  connection  requires  it.  He  may, 
when  he  thinks  it  expedient,  expound  any  part 
of  what  is  read  ;  always  having  regard  to  the 
time,  that  neither  reading,  finging,  praying, 
preaching,  or  any  other  ordinance,  be  difpropor- 
tionate  the  one  to  the  other  ;  nor  the  whole 
rendered  too  fhort  or  too  tedious. 

Of  the  finging  of  Pfalms. 

It  is  the  duty  of  Chrrftians  to  praife  God,  by 
finging  pfalms  and  hymns,  publicly  intheChurch, 
as  alfo  privately  in  the  family. 

In  finging  the  praifes  of  God,  we  are  to  fing 
with  the  fpirit,  and  with  the  underftanding  alfo  ; 
making  melody,  in  our  hearts,  unto  the  Lord.  It 
is  alfo  proper,  that  we  cultivate  fome  knowledge 
of  the  rules  of  mufic  ;  that  we  may  praife  God 
with  our  voices,  as  well  as  with  our  hearts. 

The  whole  congregation  mould  be  furnifhed 
with  books,  and  ought  to  join  intlvspart  ofwor- 
ftiip.  It  is  proper  to  fing  without  parceling  out  the 
pfalm,  line  by  line.  The  practice  of  reading  the 
pfalm,  line  by  line,  was  introduced  in  times  of 
ignorance,  when  many  in  the  Congregation 
could  not  read  :  therefore,  it  is  recommended, 
that  it  be  laid  afide,  aifar  as  convenient. 

The 


(     6o     ) 

The  proportion,  of  the  time  of  public  worfliip 
10  be  fpent  in  finging,  is  left  to  the  prudence  of 
every  Minifter  :  but  it  is  recommended,  that 
more  time  be  allowed,  for  this  excellent  part  of 
divine  fervice,  than  has  been  ufual  in  moll  of  our 
Churches. 

Of  public  Prayer  before  Sermon. 

After  the  introductory  prayer,  reading  the 
Word,  and  finging  praife  ;  the  Minifter  is  to  pro- 
ceed to  a  more  extenfive  adoration  of  God,  con- 
fefHon  of  fin,  thank/giving  for  mercies,  fupplica- 
tion  for  bleflings,  and  interceiTion  for  others  ;  in 
a  longer  prayer,  to  this  effect  : 

*  O  God,  thou  art  our  God,  early  will  we 
'  feek  thee  ;  our  God,  and  we  will  praife  thee; 

*  our  father's  God,   and   we   will   exalt  thee. 

*  Thou  art  very  great,  cloathed  with  honor  and 

*  majefty.    Thou  covered  thyfelf  with  light   as 

*  with   a   garment  ;    and   in   thee   is  no  dark- 
4  nefs  at  all. 

4  Thou  art  God  thyfelf  alone;  and,befides  thee, 

*  there  is   none  elfe.    The  heavens  declare   thy 

*  glory,  and  the  firmament   fheweth  forth  thy 

*  handy  work.      The   inviiible  things   of  God, 

*  from  the  creation  of  the  world,   are  clearly 

*  feen,  being   understood  by  the  things  that  are 

*  made,  even  thine  eternal  power  and  Godhead. 

*  Thou   art   tranfeendently    great   in  all  thy 

*  perfections.      Thou  art  glorious  in  holinefs, 

*  fearful  in  praifes,  doing  wonders.      Who,  in 

*  the  heavens,  can  be  compared  unto  the  Lord  ? 

*  Who,  among  the  fons  of  the  mighty,  can  be 
j  likened  unto  thee,  O  Lord  God  of  holts  I  As 

«  the 


(     6i     ) 

f  the  heavens  are  high  above  the  earth,  (o  arc 

*  thy  thoughts  above  oar  thoughts,  and  thy  ways 
6  above  our  ways.  All  nations,  before  thee,  are 
4  as  the  drop  of  a  bucket,  or  the  final]  dud  of  the 
6  balance  ;  and  thou  takeft  up  the  illes  as  a  very 

*  little  thing  :  They  are  as  nothing,  and  counted 
c  to  thee  lefs  than  nothing  and  vanity. 

'  Thou  art  the  eternal,  immortal  and  un- 
c  changeable  God.  Before  the  mountains  were 
6  brought  forth,   or  ever  thou  badft  formed  the 

*  earth  and  the  world,  from  everlading  to  ever* 

*  lading  thou  art  God;  the  fame,yedcrday,to  day, 
f  and  forever. 

6  Thou  art  the  omniprefent  God.     None  can 

*  hide  himfelf  in  fecret  places,  that  thou  caoft  not 
f  fee  him,  for  thou  filled  heaven  and  earth  with 

*  thy  prefence. 

'  Thou  art  the  omnifcient   Jehovah.        All 

*  things  are  naked  and  opened  unto  the  eyes  of  him 

*  with  whom  we  have  to  do.  Thou  underilanucft 
'■  our  thoughts  afar  off  :  There  is  not  a  word  in 
'  our  tongue,  but,  lo  !  O  Lord,  thou  knoweft  it 
{  altogether. 

*  Thy  wifdom  is  unfearchable.  Thine  under-. 
$  danding,  O  Lord,  is  infinite.  Thou  telled  the 
?  number  of  the  dars,and  called  them  all  by  their 
c  names,  Thou  art  wonderful  in  counfel,  excel- 
6  lent  in  working,  wife  in  heart,  and  mighty  in 
1  drength.  O  the  depth  of  the  wifdom  and  know- 
1  ledge  of  God  !  how  unfearchable  are  his  judg- 
\  ments,  and  his  ways  pad  finding  out  ? 

4  Thy  fovereignty  is  incontedable.  Thon 
1  dod  according  to  thy  will,  in  the  armies  of  hea- 
'■  ven,  and  among  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth, 
;  and  none  can  day  thy  hand,  or  fay  unto  thee* 
;  what  doeft  thou. 

■  Thy 


(       62       ) 

*  Thy  power  is  irrefidible  Wc  know,  O 
c  God,  that  thou  cand  do  every  thing.    All  pow- 

*  cr  is  thine,  both  in  heaven  and  in  earth  :  Thou 
c  killed,  and  thou  makeit  alive  :  1  hou  wound- 
c  ed,  and  thou  healed  :  And  there  is  none  that 
c  can  deliver  ont  of  thy  hand. 

c  Thou  art  a  God   of  unfpotted  purity,    and 

(  perfect  rectitude.       Thou  art  holy,    O    thou 

4  that  inhabited  the  praifes  qf  Ifrael.'    Holy  and 

*.  nd  reverent  is  thy  name  ;  and  we  give  thanks 

<  at   .he  remembrance   of  thy   holincfs.     Thou 

*  art  .::  purer  eyes  than  to  behold  iniquity  j 
1  neither  Qiall  evil  dwell  with  thee. 

c  Thy  judice   is   inflexible,  thy  truth  inviola- 

*  ble,  and  the  treafures  of  thy  goodnefs  inex- 
c  liaudible.  Thou  art  righteous,  O  Lord,  in 
c  all  thy  ways,  and  holy  in  all  thy  works.     Thy 

*  righteoufnefs  is  as  the  great  mountains  :  All 
c  thy  ways  are  truth  and  judgment.  Thou  art 
c  God,  and  thy  mercy  en  dure  th  forever.     Thy 

*  loving   kindnefs  is  great  towards  us,   and  thy 

*  truth  endureth  to  all  generations.  Thou  had 
c  proclaimed  thy  name,  the  Lord,  the  Lord  God, 
c  merciful  and  gracious,  flow  to  anger,  abundant 

*  in  goodnefs  and  truth,  keeping  mercy  for  thou- 

*  fands,  forgiving  iniquity,  tranfgrelTion  and  fin. 

*  Thefe,  O  Lord,  are  but  part  of  thy  ways  ; 
«  for  who  by  fearching  can  find  out  God  ?  who 
«  can  find  out  the  Almighty  to  perfection  ? 

*  We  praife  thee  as  a  God  of  ineffable  glory. 

*  Thou  had  prepared  thy  throne  in  the  heavens; 

*  and  the  Seraphim  vail  their  faces  before  thee. 
1  Thou  maked  thine  Angels  fpirits,  and  thy  mi- 

*  niders  a  flame  of  fire  :    Thoufand  thoufands 

*  minidcr  unto  thee,  and  ten  thoufand  times  ten 

'  thoufaiid 


(    <>3     ) 

thoufand  (land  before  thee.  Thou  art  worthy 
O  Lord,  ro  reeeive  bl  tiling  and  honor  and  glo- 
ry  and  power;  for  thou  hail  created  all  things* 
and  for  thy  pleaiure,  they  are  and  were  crea- 
ted. The  earth  is  full  of  thy  riches  :  thy 
kingdom  ruleth  over  all  :  a  iparrow  falls  not 
to  the  ground  without  our  father  ;  and  the 
hairs  of  our  head  are  all  numbered. 
6  Thou  made ft  man  at  firft  of  the  dud  of  the 
ground,  and  didft  breathe  into  him  the  breath 
of  life,  and  he  became  a  living  foul.  Thou 
haft  made,  of  one  blood,  all  the  nations  of  men, 
for  to  dwell  on  all  the  face  of  the  earth,  and 
haft  determined  the  times  before  appointed, 
and  the  bounds  of  their  habitation. 

*  We  adore  thee,  as  the  one,  living,  and  true 
God,  the  Father,  the  Word,  and  the  holy 
Ghoft.  We  give  honor  to  the  Son  as  to  the 
Father  ;  and  to  the  comforter  the  holy  Spirit* 
who  is  fent  to  teach  us  all  things,  and  to  bring 
all  things  to  our  remembrance*  We  praife 
thee,  O  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghoft,  the  Cre- 
ator, the  Redeemer,  and  the  Sanctifier.  Thou  haft 
made  us,  and  not  we  ourfelves  ;  and  therefore 
we  are  not  our  own  but  thine,  thy  people, 
and  the  flieep  of  thy  pafture*  In  thee  we  live* 
and  move,  and  have  our  being.  Thou  haft  re- 
deemed us  from  evil.  We  are  bought  with  a 
price.  It  is  of  thy  mercy  that  we  are  not  con- 
fumed,  even  becaufe  thy  compaffions  fail  not. 
Thou  haft  appointed  us  a  high  prieft,  in  whofe 
name  we  may  come  boldly  to  the  throne  of 
grace.  We  make  mention  of  the  righteouf. 
nefs  of  Chrift,  and  of  his  only. 

*  Moft  merciful  God,  we  come  unto  thee, 
in  humble  dependence  upon  his  atonement 
and  interceflion,   and  confefs  our  fins,  which 

-  are 


('    k    ) 

many  and  great.  Againfl  thee,  thee  only 
havewt  TirnedjOGodjandtousbelongethfhamc 
and  confufion  of  face-.  Behold  we  are  vile, 
what  ftial)  we  anfwer  thee?  We  will  lay  our  hand 
upon  our  mouth.  Thou  putted  no  truft  in 
thy  faints  ;  yea  the  heavens  are  not  clean  in  thy 
fight*  How  much  more  abominable  and  fil- 
thy is  man,  who  drinketh  iniquity  like  water? 
We  have  ruined  ourfelves  ;  but  in  thee  is  our 
help.      If  thou  Lord  fhoiildft  mark  iniquities, 

0  Lord,  who  (hall  ftand  ?  But  there  is  for- 
gfaeileft  with  thee  that  thou  mayeft  be  feared  : 
with  thee  there  is  mercy  5  yea,  with  our  God, 
there  is  plemteous  redemption* 

1  O  Lord,  thou  madcfl  man  upright,  but  he 
hath  fought  out  many  inventions.  Our  firft 
parents  rebelled  againft  thee  ;  and  we  are  tranf- 
greffors  from  the  womb.  We  are  a  feed  of 
evil  doers.  We  have  dealt  very  treacheroufly. 
By  one  man's  difobedience,  many  were  made 
finners.  By  one  man  fin  entered  into  the 
world,  and  death  by  fin  ;  and  fo  death  paffed 
upon  all  men,  for  that  all  have  finned.  Behold, 
we  are  fhapen  in  iniquity.  We  are  by  nature 
children  of  Wrath,  even  as  others.  All  fleili 
have  corrupted  their  way  ;  we  are  all  gone  a- 
fide;  we  are  altogether  become  filthy  :  there  is 
none  righteous;  there  is  none  that  doth  good  f 
no  not  one. 

'  Our  understandings  are  darkened  by  feafori 
of  fin  ;  our  wills  are  ftubborn  and  perverfe  ; 
and  our  affections  are  alienated  from  thee.  We 
arc  wife  to  do  evil,  but  to  do  good  we  have 
no  knowledge*  Our  neck  hath  been  an  iron 
fmew  ;  and  we  have  made  our  heart  as  the 
adamant.     Wc  have  followed  after  vanities, 

•  and 


(     65     ) 

forfaken  our  mercies.  u'c  have  fee 
our  affections  on  things  beneath  ;  and  our 
hearts  have  departed  from  the  living  God. 
We  are  prone  to  evil  as  the  fparks  fly  upward. 
Our  hearts  are  deceitful  above  all  things,  and 
defperately  wicked.  O  Lord,  we  lament  our 
irregular  appetites,  and  inordinate  paifions. 
We  bewail  oar  pride,  cur  carnality,  and  world- 
ly mindednefs.  Our  fins  are  attended  with  ex- 
ceedingly great  aggravations.  We  have  fin- 
ned againit  the  cleared:  light,  the  tendereft 
love,  and  the  mod:  faithful  warnings  of  God, 
of  parents,  of  minifters,  and  of  our  own  con- 
ferences. And  now,  O  Lord,  what  (hall  we 
fay,  for  we  have  forfaken  thy  commandments: 
we  have  finned,  what  ftiall  we  do  unto  thee, 
O  thou  prcferver  of  men  ? 
c  Glory,   glory  to   thy  name  in  the  higheft, 

acre  is  any  hope  for  the  lofl  and  ! 
children  of  men  ;  that  thou  haft  entertained 
parpofes  of  mercy  towards  any  of  the  guilty 
race  ;  that  the  joyful  found  of  peace  and  re- 
conciliation with  God  hath  reached  our  ears. 
We  thank  thee,  that  thou  hail  fo  loved  the 
world  as  to  give  thine  only  begotten  Son,  that 
whofoever  beiieveth  in  him  mould  not  perifb, 
but  have  everlafting  life. 
'  In  the  all  prevailing  name  of  Jefus  of  Naza- 
reth, a  name  with  which  thou  art  ever  well 
pleafed,  we  prefent  our  prayers  and  fupplica- 
tions  to  thee.  And  now,  Lord,  what  wait  we 
for  ?  Our  eyes  are  unto  thee,  and  our  hope  is 
in  thee,  through  Chrilt  Jefus  our  Redeemer. 
<  Deliver  us  from  all  our  tranfgrefTions  ;  and,  O 
'•  God,  be  merciful  to  us  finners.  Wa(h  us 
c  thoroughly  from  our  iniquity ',  .anfe  us 

I  •  from 


(     66     ) 

from  our  fins  :  For  we  acknowledge  our  tranf- 
greifion  »  ;  and  our  fm  is  ever  before  us.  Juf- 
tify  us  freely  by  thy  grace,  through  the  re- 
demption that  is  in  Chrift  Jefus  our  Lord. 
1  Create  in  us  a  clean  heart,  O  God,  and  re- 
new a  right  fpirit  within  us.  Work  in  us  the 
work  of  faith  with  power.  Difpofe  us  to  a 
godly  forrowforour  fms,  and  give  us  repentance 
unto  life.  Shed  abroad  thy  love  in  our  hearts 
by  the  holy  Ghoft  given  unto  us.  Teach  us 
thy  flatutes,  and  give  us  understanding  that  we 
may  know  thy  teftl  monies.  May  we  know 
God  and  Jefus  Chriil,  whom  to  know  is  eter- 
nal life.  Put  thy  fear,  O  Lord,  into  our 
hearts,  that  we  may  never  depart  from  thy  law. 
Hide  pride  from  our  eyes ;  and  cloath  us  with 
humility.  Enable  us  to  put  on  the  ornament 
of  a  meek  and  quiet  fpirit.  O  God  of  peace, 
let  not  anoer  reft  in  our  bofoms.  Fill  us  with 
charity  and  brotherly  love,  that  we  may  keep 
the  unity  of  the  fpirit  in  the  bond  of  peace. 
May  our  confcienccs  be  always  tender.  May  we 
abilain  from  all  appearance  of  evil.  Difpofe  us 
to  contentment  with  the  allotments  of  thy  pro- 
vidence ;  and  form  us  to  fubmiffion  and  resig- 
nation to  thy  will.  May  we  ever  pofTefs  our 
fouls  in  patience,  and  feel  an  holy  indifference 
to  all  the  objects  of  time  and  fenfe.  O  Lord,  fur- 
nifli  us  with  hope,  which  maketh  not  afhamed  ; 
that  living  hope  which  is,  as  an  anchor  to  the 
4  foul,  both  fure  and  ftedfafL 

■  Enable  us,  O  Lord,  to  be  ciroamfpec't  in  all 
*  our  converfation,  watching  over  our  thoughts, 
'  our  lips,  and  our  lives.  May  the  grace  of 
'  God  teach  us,  that  denying  ungodlinefs  and 
■  worldly  lufts,   we  mav  live  foberJy,  righteouf- 


(     6;     ) 

ly  and  godly  in  this  prcfent  world  ;  looking  for 
that  bleffed  hope,  and  the  glorious  appearing 
of  the  great  God,  and  our  Saviour  Jefus 
Chrift,  who  gave  himfejf  for  us,  that  he  might 
redeem  us  from  all  iniquity,  and  purify  unto 
himfelf  a  peculiar  people,  zealous  of  good 
works.  Lord,  quicken  us  in  the  ways  of  right- 
eoufnefs.  Let  us  ever  practife  the  things  which 
are  honeft  in  the  fight  of  all  men.  May  we 
be  diligent  in  every  duty,  performing  it  with 
a  ready  mind,  and  with  joy  and  gladnefs  of 
heart.  May  we  have  grace  always  to  live  in 
the  exercife  of  devotion  and  piety  towardsGod; 
of  truth,  charity  and  righteoufnefs  towards 
men  ;  and  to  maintain  chaftity,  temperance 
and  fobriety  towards  ourfclves.  Grant  that 
we  may  increafe  in  all  godlinefs ;  that  wc 
may  grow  in  grace,  and  in  the  knowledge  of 
our  lord  and  Saviour  Jefus  Chrift. 
c  O  Lord,  who  art  the  confidence  of  all  the 
ends  of  the  earth,  preferve  us  from  temptation; 
fupport  us  under  afflictions ;  comfort  us  in  for- 
rows  ;  make  us  ufeful  in  life,  and  prepare  us 
for  death  :  And  when  we  have  done  ferving 
thee  here  below,  admit  us,  we  befeech  thee,  to 
that  ftate  of  reft  and  perfection,  which  thou 
haft  referved  for  thy  people  in  the  heavenly 
world. 

1  And  now,  O  Lord  our  God,  we  defire  to 
lift  up  our  hearts  to  thee,  in  a  grateful  ac- 
knowledgment of  all  thy  mercies  and  benefits 
to  us.  We  praifethee,  as  the  King  of  Kings, 
and  Lord  of  Lords,  full  of  compaftion  and 
goodnefs  to  the  children  of  men.  We  thank 
thee,  that  thou  haft  formed  us  reafonable  crea- 
tures, capable  of  knowing,  ferving,  and  enjoy- 

«  ing 


(     63     ) 

ing  thee.      Wc  blefs  thee  for  thy  nrefcryujg 

care  ;  for  our  lives,  our  health,  our  food  and 
raiment  ;  ibr  our  friends,  our  comforts,  and  all 
our  temporal  enjoyments.  Above  all  we  praife 
thee,  O  moil  merciful  Father,  forfpiritual  blef- 
fmgs  in  heavenly  places  in  Chrift  Jcfus. 
*  We  thank  thee,  O  Lord,  ior  the  early  intima- 
tions of  good  will  :o  fallen  man;  that  the  feed  of 
the  woman  fhouid  bruife  the  ferpent's  head. 
We  adore  thee  for  the  wonderful  and  myftcrious 
incarnation  of  thine  only  begotten  Son.  Wc 
praife  thee,  rhaj  when  the  fulnefs  of  time  was 
come,  thou  didft  fend  forth  thy  Son  made  of  a 
woman,  made  under  the  law,  to  redeem  them 
that  were  under  the  law,  that  we  might  receive 
c  the  adoption  of  fons.  We  thank  thee  for  his 
c  gracious  undertaking  ;  for  his  exemplary  life  ; 
c  his  foul  faving  doctrines  ;  for  the  (tv. 
c  dous  miracles  whereby  he  confirmed  his  divine 
'  million  ;  and,  in  a  fpecial  manner,  for  his  me- 
'  rkprious  death  and  iuiferings.  We  blefs  thee 
c  that  he  was  delivered  for  our  offences,  and  rofe 
6  again  for  our  juftification  ;  that  he  hath  af- 
\  cended  to  his  father  and  our  father,  to  his  God 
c  and  our  God  ;  and  that  he  ever  liverh  to  make 
y  interceilion  for  us. 

c  We  thank  thee,  O  Lord  God  of  grace,  for 
c  the  holy  Spirit,  and  for  his  fanctifying  and  com- 
c  forting  influences  upon  the  fouls  of  men  ;  for 
*  the  covenant  cf  grace  and  all  the  precious  pro- 
c  miles  thereof  ;  for  thy  Word  ;  for  the  gofpel 
c  miniftry,  and  the  inftitution  of  all  thine  ordinan- 
c  ccs  ;  for  Sabbaths  ;  and  for  fan<ftuary  blciTings, 
c  We  praife  thee  for  the  drivings  of  thy  Spirit, 
c  and  for  the  rcmonftrances  and  admonitions  c; 
i  qur  confeiences ;  for  enlightening,   renewing, 

i  juftifying, 
t 


(     69     ) 

juftifying,  adopting  and  fan&ifying  grace  ; 
fweet  communion  with  thee  in  thine  ordinan- 
ces ;  for  gracious  anfwers  to  our  prayers  ; 
for  fuccour  in  temptations  ;  for  iupport  un- 
der troubles  ;  and  for  the  joyful  hopes  of  a 
glorious  immortality. 

6  Now,  O  thou  molt  High,whenwepray  unto 
thee,  we  would  remember  and  make  fupplica- 
tion  for  all  the  children  of  men.  Extend,  we 
befeech  thee,  thy  mercy  to  a  guilty  world  ; 
and  let  all  the  ends  of  the  earth  fee  the  falva- 
tion  of  our  God.  Let  thy  gofpel  be  preached 
unto  every  creature  ;  and  add,  unto  thy  church 
daily,  fuch  as  {hall  be  laved.  Give  unto  thy 
Son  the  Heathen  for  his  inheritance,and  the  ut- 
termoft  parts  of  the  earth  for  his  poiTefTion.  O 
Lord,  gather,  into  the  gofpel  Church,  rhine 
ancient  people  the  Jews  ;  haflen  the  latter  day 
glory  j  accomplifli  all  the  purpofes  of  thy  grace; 
remove  every  thing  which  is  a  let  or  hin- 
drance to  the  advancement  of  the  Redeemer's 
kingdom  ;  take  away  all  error  and  idolatry, 
Antichriflian  fuperiHtion,  and  Mahometan 
deluiion. 

4  We  pray  for  thy  bleiling  upon  thy  Church 
univerfal,  and  upon  every  branch  of  it  in  par- 
ticular. O  Lord,  pity  any  part  of  thy  Church 
which  may  be  fufFering  affliction  or  perfec- 
tion. Let  not  the  rod  of  the  wicked  reft  upon 
the  lot  of  the  righteous  ;  ftrengthen  the  faith 
and  patience  of  thy  fufFering  faints ,  that  they 
may  hope  and  quietly  wait  for  the  falvation  of 
the  Lord.  Pour  out  thy  Spirit  upon  all  thy 
Churches ;  revive  thy  work  in  the  midft  of  the 
years  ;  caufe  pure  and  undefiled  religon  uni- 
versally to  prevail  ;    arife,  have  mercy  upon 

1  Zion, 


(     7°     ) 

c  Zion,  and  let  the  time  to  favour  her,  yea,  the 

*  fet  time,  come. 

6  Heavenly  Father,  do  thou  blefs  all  the  Mi- 
c  Qifters  of  thy  Gufpci  ;  purify  me  fons  of  Levi, 

*  and  make  thofe  holy  who  bear  the  veffels  of  the 

*  Lord  ;  make  them  burning  and  fhining  li 

c  in  thy  golden  candlciticks  ;  and  may  thry  turn 

*  many  to  righteoulhefs,  and  (hinc  as  ftars  in  the 
c  firmament  of  glory  forever  and  ever. 

*  O  Lord,  we  pray  for  thy  fpecial  favour  to 
'  thy  Churches  in  this  land.  Be  very  gracious 
6  to  all  the  Congregations  and  Mi  miters  of  this 

*  Church.  Blefs  our  Prefbyteries,  our  Synods, 
'  and  ourGeneralCouncil.  May  their  deliberations 
c  at  all  times  have  a  happy  tendency  to  promote  true 

*  religion,  and  to  advance,  more  and  more,  the 

*  intereft  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom.      Make 

*  all  our  people  holy  in  their  lives,  and  godly  in 

*  their  converfation.     May  they  bean  ornament 

*  to  their  profeflion  ;   and  may  our  Church  be 

*  a  pmife  in  the  land. 

c  O  thou,  who  art  King  among  the  nations, 
4  vifit  all  the  nations  and  kingdoms  of  the  earth 

*  with  thy  goodnefs,    thy  mercy,   and  thy   fal- 

*  vation. 

4  Deal  favorably,  O  Lord,  with  the  land  in 

*  which  we  live.     O  the  hope  of  Ifrael,  the  Sa- 

*  viour  thereof  in  time  of  trouble,  be  not   as  a 

*  ftranger  in  our  land,  and  as  a  way-faring  man, 

*  that  turneth  afide  to  tarry  for  a  night.  Make 
c  this  Emmanuel's  land.  May  it  be  a  valley  of 
4  vifion,  a  land  wherein  truth,  peace  and  right- 

*  eoufnefs  fhall  always  dwell. 

4  Give,   O  Lord,  we  intreat  thee,  profperity 

*  to  the  Inhabitants  of  this  country,  in  their  huf- 

*  bandry,    their  trades   and  their   merchandize. 

*  Make  not  our  heaven  brafs,  nor  our  earth  iron ; 

4  but 


(  -I  ) 

but  grant  us,  we  pray  thee,  rain  in  due  feafon  ; 
and  referve  unco  us  the  appointed  weeks  of 
harved.  Let  our  land  yield  her  increafe,  and 
our  trees  their  fruit.  Abundantly  blefs  our 
proviiion,  and  fatisfy  our  poor  with  bread. 
1  O  Lord,  blefs  all  in  authority  over  us,  fu- 
preme  and  fubordinate.  Counfcl  our  Counfcl- 
lors,  and  teach  our  Senators  wifdom.  Make 
our  Officers  peace,  and  our  Exactors  righteouf- 
nefs.  [It  is  proper,  that  fpecial  petitions  be 
here  offered  up  ;  for  the  Congrefs  of  the  Unu 
ted  States ;  for  the  particular  States,  their  Go- 
vernors and  other  Rulers  ;  for  the  State,  in 
which  the  Congregation  may  be,  its  Govern- 
or, Legiflature,  and  other  Rulers,  Judges  and 
Magistrates  ;  as  well  as  for  the  whole  body  of 
the  people.]  May  all  our  Magiftrates  and  Ru- 
lers rule  in  the  fear  of  God  ;  be  able  men, 
men  of  truth,  fearing  God,  and  hating  covet- 
oufnefs.  May  judgment  run  down  as  waters, 
and  rightcoufnefs  as  a  mighty  dream. 

*  O  Lord,  we  pray  for  all  Schools,  Colleges, 
and  other  Seminaries  of  leaning.  From  thefe 
fountains  may  dreams  iime^  which  (hall  make 
glad  the  city  of  our  God.  Blefs  all  Teachers  in 
them  ;  and  may  the  youth  be  trained  up  in 
the  fear  of  the  Lord. 

*  Mod  gracious  God,  we  befeech  thee  to  ex- 
tend  compaflion  to  the  fons  and  daughters  of 
affliction.  Heal  the  fick  ;  cafe  the  pained ; 
fupport  the  didrefTed  ;  fuccour  the  tempted  ; 
comfort  mourners  ;  redore,  to  their  right  mind, 
thofe  who  are  deprived  of  the  ufe  of  their  rea- 
fon  :  be  the  God  of  the  widow,  the  father  of 
the  fatherlefs,  and  the  orphan's  day.  [It  is 
proper  here,  if  any  have  defired  the  prayers 
of  the  Church,  that  fpecial  petitions  b6  offered 
up  for  them.]  J  And 


'  And  now,  O  Lord  our  God,  we  commit 
c  ourfclves  unto  thee  ;  we  hope  in  thy  mercies  ; 
c  and  we  wait  for  thy  falvation.  Pardon  the  ini- 
*  quity  of  our  holy  things.  We  afk  and  offer 
c  all,  in  the  name  of  our  once  crucified  but  now 
c  exalted  Redeemer,  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift ;  to 
c  whom,  with  the  Father,  and  the  Spirit  of  all 
'  grace,  be  afcribed  glory,  honor,  dominion  and 
c  praife,  for  ever  and  ever.     Arneru* 

Wc  judge  this  to  be  a  convenient  order  in  the 
the  public  prayers  of  the  Church  ;  yet  the  Mi- 
nifter,  as  in  prudence  he  mall  think  meet,  is  to 
alter  and  chauge  tins  order  ;  to  leave  out  any  peti- 
tions or  parts  of  it ;  to  add  to  or  vary  it,  accord- 
ing to  the  numerous  patterns  of  prayer  in  the 
Scriptures. 

We  recommend  it  to  all  Miniilers  ordinarily 
to  ufe  fcriptural  language  in  their  public  prayers, 
and  that  they  be  careful  not  to  be  tedious  in  this 
part  of  the  fervice.  We  think  that  the  prayer 
before  fermon  ought  not  ufually  to  be  fhorter 
than  twelve,  nor  longer  than  eighteen  or  twenty 
minutes. 

As  the  prayer,  wliich  Chrift  taught  his  difci- 
ples,  is  both  a  pattern  for  prayer,  and  itielf  a 
mod  comprchcnfive  prayer,  we  recommend  it  to 
be  ufed  in  the  prayers  of  the  Church  :  and  we 
think  the  mod  proper  place  for  this  purpofe  is, 
either  at  the  conclulion  of  the  introductory  pray- 
er, or  at  the   end  of  this  prayer. 

Let  a  Pfalm  be  alfo  fung  here,  before  the  mi* 
nifter  proceed  to  his  Sermon. 

Of  the  preaching  of  the  Word. 

The  Fi  caching  of  the  Word,  being  an  inftitu- 
tion  of  God  for  the  falvation  of  men,  mould  be 
to  performed,  that  the  workman  need  not  be  a- 

fliamed, 


(    73    ) 

fhamed,  but  may  fave  himfelf  and  thofe  that 
hear  him. 

Every  man,  who  undertakes  this  facred 
Work,  fhould  be  careful  that  he  be  called  of 
God,  and  regularly  called  and  introduced  by 
the  Church,  according  to  the  order  of  the  Scrip- 
tures. 

The  fubjeet.  of  his  Sermon  is  to  be  fome  verfe 
or  verfes  of  fcripture,  holding  forth  fome  princi- 
ple of  religion,  inculcating  fome  duty,  or  reprov- 
ing fome  fin.  Let  him  not  ufe  a  text  mere- 
ly as  a  motto,  but  be  careful  that  the  doc- 
trine propofed  be  fairly  contained  in  it.  It  is 
proper  alfo,  that  large  portions  of  Scripture  be 
fometimes  expounded,  and  particularly  unprov- 
ed,for  the  inflruclion  ofthe People  in  the  meu: 
and  ufe  of  the  facred  Oracles. 

Let  the  introduction  of  his  difcourfe  be  brief 
and  perfpicuous,  and  ordinarily  drawn  from  the 
text  or  context  ;  that,  by  a  natural  and 
tranfition,  it  may  lead  him  to  the  fabject,  which 
he  intends  to  confider.  Let  not  the  divifions  be 
too  numerous.  Let  the  doctrines  be  plain,  the  ex- 
plications eafy,  the  illuitrations  clear,  the  ar- 
guments convincing,  the  inferences  natural  ; 
and  the  application  folemn,  affectionate,  power- 
ful and  pcrfualive. 

-  This  method  of  preaching  requires  much  (tu- 
dy,  meditation  and  prayer.  Miniflers  ought,  in 
general,  to  write  their  fermons,  and  not  to  indulge 
themfelves  in  loofe  extempore  harangues,  but  to 
carry  beaten  oil  into  the  fancluary  of  the  Lord. 
They  ought  fo  to  digeft  their  fermons,  and  com- 
mit them  to  memory,   as  not,  ordinarily,  to  ufe 

K 

their 


C     74     ) 

r  notes  in  public.  But  if  any  choolc  to  have 
their  notes  before  them,  let  them  ufe  them  with 
the  glance  of  the  eye,  but  not  read  their  fcrmons 
from  the  pulpit; 

The  fervant  of  Chrift  is  to  prepare  for  the 
fanctuary,  and  to  conduct  the  fervices  thereof, 
in  fuch  a  manner,  that  his  hearers  may  be  edi- 
fied  ;  and  may  feel  the  word  of  God  to  be  quick 
and  powerful,  and  a  difcerner  of  the  thoughts 
and  intents  of  the  heart.  Whatever  the  pecu- 
liarities of  a  Minider's  method  may  be,  he  is  to 
perform  his  whole  minifhy  \ 

I.  Faithfully,  having  a  fmgle  eye  to  the  honor 
of  Chrifl,  and  fincerely  feeking  the  falvation  of 
the  people.  . 

II.  Painfully  ;  not  doing  the  work  of  the  Lord 
negligently. 

III.  Plainly;  that  the  feebleft  mind  may  under- 
ftand  ;  delivering' the  truth,  not  in  the  enticing- 
words  of  man's  wifdom,  but  in  demonltration  of 
the  Spirit  and  of  power. 

IV.  Wifely;  adapting  all  his  doctrines,  exhor- 
tations and  reproofs,  in  fuch  a  manner  as  may  be 
mod  likely  to  be  fuceefsful  ;  neither  neglect- 
ing the  meaneil,  nof  fparing  the  greatefl  in  their 
fins. 

V.  Gravely  and  decently,  as  becometh  theO- 
racles  of  God  ;  avoiding  all  fuch  improper  gefc 
tures  and  phrafes  as  may  caufe  fenfible  men  to 
defpife  him  and  his  miniftry. 

VI.  With  meeknefs  and  tender  affection  ;  that 
the  people  may  fee  the  whole  of  his  miniltra- 
tions  proceed  from  love,  holy  zeal,  and  a  hearty 
defire  to  do  them  good. 

VII.  As  taught  of  God,  and  fully  perfuaded 
jn  his  own  mind,  that  what  he  delivers  is  the 

truth 


(     75    ) 

ti"ucli  of  Chriit  ;  expreiling  himfelf  in  language 
eable  to  Scripture,  avoiding  terms  of  an, 
and  the  phraies  of  Philoiophers.  He  is  al- 
io to  live  the  doctrine  which  he  teaches,  be- 
ing an  example  to  the  flock,  in  humility,  cir- 
cumfpection  and  godly .  converfation  ;  that  he 
may  have  comfort  in  this  life,  many  feals  to  his 
miniftry,  and,  when  he  has  finiihed  his,  labours  of 
love,  a  crown  of  glory  in  the  world  to  come. 

VIII.  As  one  primary  defign,  of  the  public 
ordinances  of  the  Sabbath,  fs,  to  pay  acts  of  fa- 
cial homage  to  the  mod  high  God,  the.  Minifter 
is  to  be  careful  not  to  make  his  fermons  too 
long,  fo  as  to  interfere  therewith.  He  is  parti- 
cularly to  guard  againlt  ihortening  the  devotion- 
al, and  more  important  parts  of  the  fervice,  to 
mike  way  for  long  difcourfes.  But,  when  there  is 
only  one  public  fervice  in  the  day, as-  is  the  cafe,  in 
the  winter,in  many  of  our  country  Churches,the(er- 
Lion,  with  all  the  other  parts,  may  be  fomewhar. 
longer,  than  where  there  are  two  or. more  fervices. 
And,  when  there  are  two  or  more  public  fervices, 
ftatediy  every  Lord's  day,  we  think  the  fermons, 
in  general,  ought  not  to  be  fhorter  than  thirty, 
nor  longer  than  forty  or  forty-five  minutes. 

Of  Prayer  after  Sermon, 

The  fermon  being  ended,  ,the  Minifter  ii  to 
pray,  turning  fome  of  the  principal  parts  of  his 
fermon  into  confefhon,  humiliation,  petition, 
thankfgiving  and  praife,  as  the  nature  of  the  fub- 
jeft.  may  direct.     In  a  fpecial  manner  he  is, 

'  To  give  thanks,  for  the  great  love  of  God 
i  in  fending  his  only  begotten  Son  to  be  the  Sa- 
*  Tiour  of  the  world  ;  for  the  communications  of 


(     76     ) 

*  the  Holy  GBoft  ;   tor  the  light,  liberty,  privi- 

and  rich  bk  of  the  gofpel  ;   for  e- 

4  letting    love,    redeeming    mercy,    fanttifying 

race,  and  the  joyful  hopes  of  glory. 

k   To  pray  for  the  continuance  of  the  gofpel, 

c  with  all  its  ordinances,   in  their  purity,  fpiritu- 

c  aiity  and  power  ;  for  a  blcfTmg  to  accompany 

6  the  word  of  his  grace,  with  which  they  have 

**   been  now  favoured  ;   for  preparation  for  death 

'  and  judgment  ;  for  the  forgivenefs  of  the  ini- 

c  quitics  of  our  mod  holy  fervices  ;  and  for  the 

c  acceptance  of  our  perfons  and  ofTerings,through 

\  the  merits   and    mediation  of  our  great  High 

4  Prieii  and  Saviour*  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift.' 

After  this  prayer,  let  a  pfalm  be  fung.  Then 
let  there  be  a  collection  for  the  poor,  or  other 
of  the  Church  ;  and  let  every  one  lay  bv? 
upon  the  firft  day  of  the  week,  as  God  hath 
profpered  him,  agreeably  to  the  Apoflolic  direc- 
tion. Then  let  the  Minifler  difmifs  the  Con- 
gregation with  a  folemn  blefling,  to  the  follow- 
ing or  like  purport  : 

4  The  grace  of  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  and  the 
c  love  of  God,  and  the  communion  of  the  holy 

5  Ghoft,  be  with  you  all.      Amen,7 

Of  the  Aclmi nifty ation  of  Baptifm. 

Baptifm  is  not  to  be  unnecefTarily  delayed,  nor 
to  be  adminiflrcd,  in  any  cafe,  by  any  private 
perfoti  ;  but  by  a  Minifler  of  Chrift,  called  to  be 
the  Steward  of  the  myitcries  of  God. 

It  is  uiually  to  be  adminiflred  in  the  Church, 
-;  prefettce  of  the  Congregation  ;  and  it  is 
convenient  that  it  be  performed  immediately  af- 
ter fermon- 

After 


(    77    ) 

After  previous  notice  is  given  to  the  Miniilei, 
the  child  to  be  baptized  is  to  be  prefented,  by- 
one  or  both  the  parents,  fignifying  their  deiire 
that  the  child  may  be  baptized. 

Before  baptifm,  theMinifter  may,  occafionally, 
life  fome  words  of  inftru&ion,  refpecling  the  in- 
flitution,  nature,  ufe  and  ends  of  this  ordinance: 
Shewing  ; 

c  That  it  is  inftituted  by  Chrift  ;  that  it  is  a 

feal    of  the  righteoufnefs   of  faith  ;    that   the 

feed  of  the  faithful  have  no  lefs  a  right  to  this 

1  ordinance,  under  the  gofpel,  than  the  feed  of 

c  Abraham  to  circumcifion,  under  the  Old  Tef- 

*  tament  ;  that    Chrifl   commanded  all  nations 

*  to  be  baptized  ;  that  he  bleffed  little  children, 

*  declaring  that  of  fuch  is  the  kingdom  of  hca- 

*  ven  ;    that  children   are  federally  holy,  and 

*  therefore  ought  to  be  baptized  ;  that  we  are, 
6  by  nature,  finful,  guilty  and  polluted,  and  have 

*  need  of  cleanfing  by  the  blood  of  Chriit,  and 
■  by  the  fanctifying  influences  of  the   Spirit  of 

*  God.' 

The  Minifter  is  alfo  to  exhort  the  parents  to 
the  careful  performance  of  their  duty  :  re* 
quiring  ; 

'  That  they  teach  the  child  to  read  the  word 

*  of  God  ;  that  they  inftrucl  it  in  the  principles 
c  of  cur  holy  religion,  as  contained  in  the  Scrip- 
c  tures  of  the  old  and  new  Teftameht,  and  ex- 

*  cellently  fummed  up  in  the  Confeflion  and  Ca~ 
t  techifm  of  this  Church ;  that  they  pray  with  and 

*  for  it  ;    that  they  fet  an  example  of  piety  and 

*  godlinefs  before  it  ;  and  endeavour,  by  all  the 

*  means  of  God's  appointment,  to  bring  up  their 

*  child  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the 

*  Lord.' 

Then 


Then  the  Minifler  is  tf)r.«pray  for  a  blcfling  to 
attend  this  ordinance,  in  the  following  or  like 
manner  : 

'  Moil  merciful,    holy,   and  eternal  God,  we. 

*  pray  for  thy  bioflittg  upon  thefe  parents  and 
c-  their    child.      The   fouis  of   parents    and   the 

*  foul,  of  children  are  thine.     Knable  thefe  pa- 

*  rents,  in  faith  and  love,  to  offer  up  their  child 

*  to  thee,  at  this  time,  in  this  holy  ordinance  of 
€  baptif.n.  ,  Safl&fy  this  child  by  thy  grace. 
c  May  irs  original  guilt  be  done  away,  through 
!  the  blood  of  the  Lamb,  that  was  flain.  Wafh 
6  this  child  in  the   laver  of  regeneration.     In- 

*  graft  it  into  Chriif  ;.  and  make  it  an  heir  of 
I  glory.  Join  the  inward  baptifm  of  the  Spirit 
c  with  the  outward  baptifm  of  waters  Graciouf- 
'  ly  biefs  and  fanctify  this  holy  ordinance  to  the 
c  fjjiritual  benefit  of  this  child.  Ratify  in  hea- 
c  ven  what  we  now  do  upon  earth.  Hear  us, 
6  O  our  God,   accept  and   anfwer  us,  only   for 

*  the  fake  of  our  divine  Redeemer.     Amen? 
Then    the   Miniftcr,   cither  taking  the  Child 

in  his  arms,  or  leaving  it  in  the  arms  of  the  pa- 
rent, fhali  call  the  child  by  its  name,  and  fay  ; 

c  I  baptize  thee,  in  the  name  of  the  Father, 
c  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  GhoftV 

As  he  pronounces  thefe  words,  he  is  to  bap- 
tize the  Child  with  water,  by  pouring  or  fprink- 
ling  it  on  the  face  of  the  Child,  without  adding 
any  other  ceremony. 

'J  his  being  performed  he  fhall  pray  to  this  or 
the  like  j.urpofe,: 

*  O  thou  moll;  glorious,  condefcending,  and 
c  graJous  God,  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghoft  ; 
f  jve  give  thee  hearty  thanks,  for  the  covenant  of 
■  grac  e,  and  for  all  the  inftitutions  of  thy  mercy. 

1  Follow 


(     79     ) 

*  Follow  with  thy  blcffing  this  holy  ordinance 
'  of  baptifm,  which  has  now  been  adminftred  in 

*  thy   name.     O  Lord,   enable  rhefe  parents  to 

*  live  in  the  faithful  discharge  of  every  chrifrian 

*  duty,  towards  this  Child.  Receive  it  into  thy 
'  fatherly  care  and  protection.  May  ir  live  and 
.'  grow  up  before  thee,  and  do  worthily  in  its 
f  day  and  generation.  Sanctify  it  by  thy  Scirir; 
4  uphold  it  by  thy  power.  May  it  be  a  nfeful 
'  member  of  thy  Church  here  ;  and  be  kept,  by 
f  faith,  unto  falvation,  through  Jeius  Chrift  our 
"*  Lord.     Amen' 

This  will  form  a  part  of  the  concluding  prayer 
of  public  worftiip. 

It  is  proper,  that  baptifm  be  adminiflrcd  in 
the  prefence  of  the  Congregation:  yet  there  may 
be  cafes,  when  it  will  be  expedient  to  aid  ^inifler 
ihis  ordinance  in  private  houics  ;  or  which  the 
Minifter  is  to  be  the  Judge. 

Of  the  Adminijiration  of  the  Lord's  Supper. 

The  Communion,  or  Supper  of  the  Lord,  is  to 
be  celebrated  frequently  ;  but  how  often  may- 
be determined  by  the  Minifter  and  Elderfhip 
of  each  Congregation,  as  they  may  judge  moft 
for  edification  :  but,  we  think  it  ought  to  be 
adminiftered,  at  lead,  once  in  every  quarter  of 
the  year.  The  time  for  the  celebration  of 
this  ordinance,  we  judge  convenient  after  the 
morning  fermon  :  But  if  any  choofeto  celebrate 
it  in  the  afternoon,  they  arc  at  their  liberty. 

The  ignorant  and  fcandalous  are  not  to  be  ad- 
mitted  to  the  Lord's  fupper. 

It  is  proper  that  public  notice  mould  be  give* 
to  the  Congregation,  at  leaf!:,  the  fabbath  before 
the  adminiftration  of  this  ordinance,  and  that,  on 

fome 


(    *°    ) 

iomc  day  of  the  week,  iomcthing  be  taught  con- 
ccrning  its  nature,  and  a  due  preparation  for  ir, 
that  all  may  come  in  a  fuitable  manner  to  this 
holv  fait 

When  the  fermon  is  ended,  the  Miniftcr  fball 
fhcw  ; 

'  Thatthis  is  an  ordinance  ofChrift,by  reading 
c  the  words  of  inflitution, either  from  one  of  the 

*  Evangel  ids,  or  from  i  Cor.  XI  chapter,  which, 
'  as  to  him  may  appear  expedient,  he  may  ex- 
f  plain  and  apply  ;  that  it  is  to  be  obferved  in 
c  remembrance  of Chrift,  to  (hew  forth  his  death 

*  till  he  come  ;  that  it  is  of  ineffimable  benefit, 

*  to  ftrengthen  his  people  againft  fin  ;     to  lup- 

*  port  them  under  troubles  ;  to  encourage  and 
4  quicken  them  in  duty  ;  to  infpire  them  with 
f  love  and  zeal  ;  to  increafe  their  faith,  and  ho- 

*  ly  refolution,  and  to  beget  peace  of  confcience3 

*  and  comfortable  hopes  of  glory.' 

He  is  to  warn  the  profane,  the  ignorant,  and 
fcandalous,  and  thofe  that  fecretly  indulge  them- 
felves  in  any  known  fin,  not  to  approach  the 
holy  Table. 

On  the  other  hand,  he  (hall  invite  to  this  ho- 
ly Table,  fuch  as,  fenlible  of  their  loft  and  help- 
lefs  ftate  by  fin,  depend  upon  the  atonement  o£ 
Chrift  for  pardon  and  acceptance  with  God  ; 
fuch  as,  being  inftrucled  in  the  Gofpel  doctrine, 
have  a  competent  knowledge  to  difcern  the 
Lord's  body  ;  and  fuch  as  defire  to  forfakc  the 
ways  of  fin,  and  are  determined  to  lead  a  life  of 
practical  godlincft. 

The  table,  on  which  the  elements  are  placed* 
•being  decently  covered,  the  bread  in  convenient 
difhes,  and  the  wine  in  large  cups ;  and  the  Com- 
municants orderly  and  gravely  fitting  around  it, 

(or 


Pre 

■  of  the  :  :    L«1    i 

oftlicb. 

,n   the  :•'  tora   b'cU;:^>  io 

this  or  the  like  effect  : 

hou  eternal  God,  Father,  Son,  and  holy 
re  adore  thee  as  the  fountain  ot  be- 
«   ;,!-,.   and  .      We   praite    thee,    that 

«  thou  haft  err;:,',  a  Church  in  tins  fallen  world; 
«  that  wo  are  called  to  nbers   of  it  ;  and 

'  that  thou  hale  appoii.  :° 

«  be  observed  therein.. 

«  No""   O  Lord,  we  are  invited  to  come  and 
<  eat   of  Wifdom's  br  ttd  to  drink  of  the 

,  hath  mhrded.  Cauie  us  fo  to 
«  foWr  :  t  after  righteoulnefs,    mat  we 

«  maybe  tilled.     Dra  .:i  rim  after 

i  ti,ce.  Bring  us  into  thy  chambers,  that  we 
'  may'be  glad  and  rejoice  in  thee,  and  remem- 
«  ber  thv  love  mere  than  wine. 

clous  Cod,  we  give  thee  glorv  for 
'  all  the  purpofes  of  thv  love  ;  for  the  million, 
«  fafferjnes  and  death  of  Jefus  Chrift,  in  whofc 
■  name.atoncwc  have  accefs  to  the  nirone  of 
t  thv  grace,  and  hope  for  ev:  lifer    We 

*  thank  theater  this  holv  ordinance.  We  de- 
«  vourly  pray  for  thy  divin*  blefhng  upon  us, 
'■  in  our  attendance  upon  this  feaft  or  love. 

'  Blefs,()  Lord,  thefe  elements  of  bread  and 

*  vine  May  we  receive  them  as  the  Symbols 
'  of  the  broken  body,  and  (lied  blood,  or  our 
«  Lord  and  Saviour  jefus  Chrift.  May  vc,  by 
<  faith,  eat  the  ftefh,  and  drink  the  blood,  of  the 

*  Son  of  God.  O  Jet  this  cup  ot  bleiong,  which 
1  we  blefs,be  to  us  the  communion  ot  the  blood  ot 
«  Chrift  ;  let  this  bread,  which  we  break.be  to  v.i 
t  the  communion  of  the  body  of  Chrift. 

L,  .  Moit 


(.  N  ) 

c  Moft  merciful  Father,  keep  our  hearts  and 
'  minds  in  the  whole  of  this  dutv  ;  and  pre- 
1  ferve  us  from  the  fuggeftions  of  the  evil  one. 
1  May  our  fouls  feel  the  lively  exercifes  of  every 
'  grace.     Suit  thy  mercy  to  our  various  circum- 

*  ilances.      May  we  be  joined  to  the  Lord  in  a 

*  new   and  everlafting  covenant,  and   made  one 

*  fpirit   with  him.       May   thy   continual   grace 
8  and  aid  further,  and  ailifl  us,  in  the  perform - 

*  ance  of  every  duty    of  the  Chriuian  life.     Seal 

*  unto  us,webefeech  thee,  the  remifnon  of  all  our 

*  fins,  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghoft,  and  the  pro  - 

*  mife  of  eternal  life. 

1  Now  unto    him   who   is   able  to   keep  us 
'  from  falling,   and  to  prefeqt  us  faultlefs  before 

*  the  prefencc  of  his  glory  with  exceeding  joy, 

*  to   the  only  wife  God  our  Saviour  be  glory 

*  and  majeity,   dominion  and  power,  both  no\* 

*  and  ever.     A men/ 

The  elements  being  now  fet  apart  by  pr, 
er,  the  Minifter  is  to  take  the  bread,  and  break 
it,  into  fmall  portions,  in  the  view  of  the  peo- 
ple. While  he  is  performing  this  facramental 
action,  let  him  make  fuch  obfervations,  upon 
the  body  of  Chrift  Jcfus,  which  was  broken 
for  us,  as  to  him  may  appear  proper. 

Then  he  is  to  fay  in  exprcfiions  of  this  fort  : 
1  Our  Lord   Jcfus  Chrifl,  on  the   fame  night 

*  in  which  he  was  betrayed,  having  taken  bread, 

*  and  1  '  nd  broken  ii,  gave  it  to  his  Difci- 
c  pies  ;  as  I,  miniitring  in  his  name,  give  this 
4  bread  unto  you  ;  faying,  f  lure  the  Bread  is 
c  to  be  diftribuied]  Ta!:e,  eat ;  this  is  my  Body, 

*  which  is  broken  for  you  :  this  do  in  remem- 

*  brance  of  me.' 

After  having   given  the  Bread,  he  fhall  take 
the  Cup,  and  fay  ;  •  After 


(    §3    ) 

*  After  the  fame  manner,    our    Saviour  alio 

<  Took  the  Cup,  and,  having  given  thanks,  as 
c  hath  been  done  in  his  name,  lie  gave  it  to  the 

*  Difciples  ;  faying,  [while  the  Minifler  is  re- 

*  peating  thefe  words  let  him  give  the  Cup]  This 

*  Cup  is  the  New  Teflament  in  my  blood,  which 
'  is  flied  for  many,  for  the  rcmiflion  of  fins :  Drink 
'  ye  all  of  it.' 

The  Minifler  himfelf  is  to  communicate,   at 
fuch  time  as  may  appear  to  him  mod  convenient. 
The  Minifler  may5in  a  few  words,  put  the  Com- 
municants in  mind   ; 

*.  Of  the  grace  of  God,  in  Jefus  Chrift,  held 
forth  in  this  facrament,  and  of  their  obligation 
to  be  the  Lord's  ;  and  may  exhort  them,  to 
walk  worthy  of  the  vocation  wherewith  they  are 
called  j  and,  as  they  have  profefledly  received 
4  Chrift  Jefus  the  Lord,  that  they  be  care- 
ful lb  to  walk  in  him  ;  and  to  maintain  good 
I  works/ 

It  may  not  be  improper  for  the  Minifler  to 
give  a  word  of  exhortation  alfo  to  thofe  who 
have  been  only  fpectators,  reminding  them  ; 

'  Of  their  duty  ;  ftating  their  fin  and  danger, 
'  by  living  in  difobedience  to  Chrift,  in  negle<ft> 
4  ing  this  holy  ordinance  ;  and  calling  upon  them 
1  to  be   earned  in  making  preparation   for  at- 

*  tending  upon  it,  at  the  next  time  of  its  cele- 
t  brat  ion.' 

Then  the  Minifler  rs  to  pray  and  give  thanks 
to  God  ; 

4  For  his  rich  mercy,  and  invaluable  good- 
c  nefs,   vouchsafed  to  them  in  that  facred  com- 

<  munion  ;    to  implore  pardon  for  the  defe&s 

*  of  the  whole  fervice  ;  and  to  pray  for  the  ac- 
4  ceptance  of  their  perfons  and  performances  ; 

<  ton 


i  for  the  gracious  an  of  the  I  Wt, 

f  to  c  n,  as  they  have  received  Chrifl 

<   Jefusthc  Lordv  fo  to  walk  in  him  ;   that  t 

1<J  foil  thifl  they  have  re  t  no 

«   man  take  their  crown';     tl 

! 

*  ma- 

that  the 

'    |c. 

<i  thai  ;.(ht  DHL?  io  ihme  before   men,  I 

works,  n 
heaven.4 

'XI  and  to 

the  expcr.ee  i 

or  at  icch  other  time  as  may  iccm  nca  to 

rfllip. 

mm  be  hm-,anc  the  Com 
h  the  folJ  or  ibme 

r«  ;••.  t  bright  agjufll 

eep- 
#   the  W  the 

■ 

*  r:c;  ,)ii,  working  in  you  that 

ingil  his  fight^  throi 
,    .    p  be  ffbny  ioicver  and  ever. 
I? 
It  has  been  cuftoroary,   in   fome  parts  of  our 
;  ro  obferve  a  ore  the  Lord's  Sup- 

to  have  Sermon  on  Saturday  and  Mon- 
day ;  and  to  micmbie  two  op  three .Miniiiers, 
with  rheir    Gj  "ns- 

Whereas  did  have   been  bidfcd  to 

and  may  tend   ro  keep  up  a  ftrifter 
nnion  of  Minifies  and  Googregatiottf  [  WC  think 
it  not  improper,  that  thcy,Vho  chufe  to  conti- 
nue 


Jn  this  prajfticc,    froulcj  the  Sac'nu 

nicer,  i  i 

] 

Of.  jfoncfPctfonsi' 

Children,  fthih  Hid 

Church, n and  dedicated  to  Cod  ia 

<  are  under  the  itifpt&joi 

n'ent  of  the  Church-' 
be  taught  t<  bepeat  rfi 

jApbftfes  Creed,  and  the  Lord' 

to  be  taught  to  t  Jin,  to 

God,  andtq  obey  the  Lord  Jdus  C,     ..  : 
when  they   come  ro  years  of  diicretion,    if  they* 
be  free  from  {<:■  ;>pear  fo'ber   ano  iready^ 

and  to  have  fufficiifcilt  hnowkdsre   to  decern    the 
Lord's  1  ey   ought  to  be  i:  is 

their   duty,    aid  rivilege,  to  come  to  the 

Lord',  Supper^ 

'The  years  of  difcretion,  in  young  Chr;~;m:7 
cannot  be  precifely  fixed.     This  mull  be  le 

rudence  of  the  Elderfhip.  The  Officers  of 
the  Church  are  the  fole  Judges  of  the  qualifica- 
tions of  thofe  to  be  admitted  to  S  -rdinan- 
ces  ;  and  of  :  when  it  is  proper  to  admit 
young  Curia  ians  to -them. 

Thofe,  who  are  to  be  admitted  to  Sealing-Or- 
dinances..  fliaJJ  be  examined,  as  to  their  know- 
ledge and  beiief  of  the  fol  things  :    viz. 

1  That  the  Scriptures,  of  the  Old- and  New 
c  Teflamen  .  are  the  Word  of  God,  the  only  in- 
*  fallible  rui-  of  [  pra&ice  ;.  that   theia 

j  contain,   plainly   and  iuiiicientiy,    every  doc- 

1  trine 


(     86     ) 

?  trine  needful  for  Salvation  ;   that  there  is  g 

*  only,  living,  and  true,  God,  poffefled  of  every 
4  perfection  and  excellency,  the  Creator,  the 
'  Preierver,  and  the  Governor  of  the  umreHe  ; 

*  that  there  are  three  PerSons  in  the  Godhead, 
€  the  Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  and 

*  that  thefe  three  are  one  ;  that  all  men  are  in  a 
c  loft  eftate,  and,  as  Sinners,  (land  jnftiy  condemu- 
c  ed  by  the  law  of  God,  and   are  liable  to   \a% 

*  wrath  and  curfe  ;  that  Jefus  Chriit,  the  on- 
c  ly  begotten    Son   of  God,    who   is  God   and 

*  man  in  one  perlon,   came  into  thu  world,  to 

*  feek  and  to  lave  them  that  are  loft  ;    that  he 

*  Suffered,   and  made  atonement,   in  their  room 

*  and  ftead  ;  that  he  died  for  their  offences,  and 

*  rofe  again  for  their  juftifeatioa  ;  that  b*  rit- 
4  teth  at  the  right  hand  of  God  in  heaven,  ma- 

*  king  continual  interceihon  for  them  ;  that  the 

*  enlightening  and  Sanctifying  influences  of  the 
c  Holy  Ghoft   are  abfolutely  neceSfary,  to  lead 

*  us  into  the  faving  underftanding  of  the  Sacred 

*  Scriptures,  to  renew  the  heart,  and  to  enable 
c  a  Chriftian  to  live  Godlily  in   the  world  ;  and 

*  that  watchfuinefs  over  the  life,  holy  meditation, 
c  a  conscientious  attendance  upon  public,  pri- 
c  vate,  and  Secret  worfhip  ;  together  with  the 
'  fteady  practice  of  righteoufnefs,  truth,  Smceri- 

*  ty,  and  charity,  towards  men  ;  and  of  Sobriety, 
c  chaftity,  and  temperance,  towards  ourfelves  -f 
'  are  the  indifpenfible  duties  of  every  Chriftian.' 

When  the  knowledge,  of  thofe  who  are  to 
be  admitted  to  Sealing-ordinanccs,  is  judged  to 
be  Satisfactory  ;;  and  nothing  appears  in  their 
life  and  conversation  to  hinder  their  admiffion  ; 
the  Minifter  fhiill,  either  in  private,  or  in  the 

prefcncG 


(   s7   3 

prefence  of  the  Seflion,  or  in  the  prefence  of 
the  Con-gregatioa,  as  (hall  be  mod  expedient, 
aik  the  profeifion  of  their  faith,  iti  the  following 
or  like  manner  : 

4  Do  you  belfeve  Jefns  Chriir.  to  be  the  Son  of 

*  God?   Do  you  affent  to  the  Covenant  of  grace, 

*  and  acknov, ledge'  the  obligation  of  your  bap- 
'  lifmal  engagement?  ?    Do  you  take  God,  the 

*  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghoft,  to  be  your  God? 

*  Do  you  renounce  your  former  fins?  And  do  you 

*  promifc,  through  grace,  to  live  in  the  diligent 
4  practice    of  all    the    duties    required   hx    the 

*  Gofpel  P 

It  is  not  imp  roper  that  this  be  accompanied 
with  fuitablc  exhortation  and  prayer.  And  the 
perfons,  fo  pffrfefling  their  Faith,  are>  immedi- 
ately thereupon,    entitled  to  fealing-ordinariees. 

Unbaptized  perfons  are  not  members  of  the  vi- 
able Church  ;  they  are  not  Chriftians  :  There- 
fore, when  they  offer  themfeives,  they  are  to  be 
eonfidered  as  candidates'  for  admiffion  into  the 
Church,  and  to  be  taught  the  doctrines  of  the 
Gofpel  as  above  directed. 

When  their  knowledge  {nail  be  deemed  fatis^ 
factory,  and  nothing  appears  in  their  life  againiE 
their  admiffion,  it  is  mod  expedient,  in  ordinary 
cafes,  that  they  fhould  publicly  profefs  their 
Faith,  in  the  prefence  of  the  Congregation  ;  [in 
the  fame,  or  like  manner,  as  directed  above  in 
the  admiffion  of  young  Chriftians  to  Sealing-Or- 
dinances:]  After  which  they  ought  to  be  immedi- 
ately baptized,  and  admitted  to  all  the  privileges 
♦f  the  Church-.  '   . 


•/ 


(    B8    ) 

Of  the  mode  of  inflicting  Churcb-Cenfures* 

The  power, 'which  thrift  hath  given  the  Ru- 
lers bf  his  Cfiunch,  is  for  edification,  and  not  for 
deftrufri  ;n.     As,  in  the  pre  b'fthe  Word, 

the  v.  ick:-d  'arc,  minified  ly,  le- 

bod  ;  To,  1  ihi,  the 

irch  autl  ke£  a  diflin&ion   be- 

in  rhe  holy  and  the  profane.      In  this  fhe  ac~ts 
the  part   of  a   tender  Mother^    cd  her' 

Children  only  for  their  good  :  And  that  every 
one  of  them' may  be  preferred  faultleis,  in  the 
day  ofihe  Lord  Jefus. 

When  any  perfon,  belonging  to  the  Congrega- 
tion is  reported  of,  as  being  guilty  of  a  fcanda- 
lou  a  id  cenifuftble  offence  ;  the  Church  SefTiori 
fball  confider  it  as  their  duty,  tc  .  into  the 

matter;  to  cali  the  perfon  before  them,  and  to 
deal  with  him,  according  to  the  rules  of  the 
Church. 

When  any  member  (hall  have  been  guilty  of 
a  fault,  deferving  cenfure,  dicaiory  ill  a  1 1 

proceed  "with  all  tender;  ir  of- 

fending brother  in  the  fpirit  of  meeknefs  ;  con- 
fidering  themfelves,  left    rhey  alfo  be  temp 
Cenfure  oupht  to  be  ini  ith  the  tfeateft 

poflible  folcmnity  ;  that  it  may  be  the  mean 
imprefling  the  mind  of  the  delinquent  With  a  pro- 

'per  fenfc  of  his  danger,  while  he  (lands  excluded 
from  the  privileges  of  the   Church  of  the  1: 
God  :   and  that,  with  the  divine  bleiling,  it  may 

'lead  him  to  repentance  ;   and  earneftly  to  d 
robe  reconciled  to  the  Loi  I  he  hath  of- 

fended, and  to  his  Church,  which  he  hath,  by 
his  lin,  fcandalized  and  grieved. 


When 


(     $9     ) 

i-n  anv  peribti  fhail  voluntarily  confe/s  hirri- 
felf  guilty  of  an  offence  ;  and  thy  of  a 

imiller  nature  j  and  lie  fhall  appear  peni  .cut. 
Judicatory  may    gpve  him  an  admonition,  to  bd 
more  watchful  for  the  future,   without  proceed- 
ing to  fufpend  or  exclude  him  from  privileges. 

When  the  Judicatory  ha*  relolvedto  p 
tence,  fufpendin  g  a  member  from  Church-privi- 
,   the  Moderator  lhall  addrefs   him,  to  the 
following  or  like  purpofe  : 

'  Wuereas  you  are  guilty  [by  your  own  con- 
c  femon,  or  convicted  by  fullicient  proof  as  the 
c  cafe  may  be]  of  the  1m  of  [here  mention  the 
c  particular  offence]   we  declare  you  fufpended 

*  from  the  privileges  of  the  Church  ;  till  you  give 
4  f.ttisfaccory    evidence  of  the  fmcerity  of  your 

*  repentance.' 

We  now  folemnly  rebuke   you  for  your  fin; 
Confider,  that  this  is  one  of  thofe  works   of  the 
flefh,  which  exclude  from   the  kingdom  cf  Hea- 
ven.     You  muil  have  been  far  left  of  God,  thus 
to    crucify   afreill  the   Son    of  God,    and    pur 
him  to  open  ihame.     Serioufly  refteft,  that   the 
wrath  of  God  is  revealed,  from  Heaven,  againit 
all  unrighteoufnefs  ;  and  that  you  {hall  have  hi* 
wrath  poured  out  upon   you  to  the  uttermoft  ; 
unlefs  you  repent.     Out    ofChriii,   there  is  no 
fafety  :  for  our  God  is  a  confuming  fire.     But, 
while  faithfulnefs  to  your  foul  obliges  us  to  warn 
you  of  your  danger,  we  call  upon  you  to  repent  ^ 
to  turn  unto  the  Lord,  who  will  have  mercy  up- 
on you  ;  and  to  our  God,  who  will  abund. 
pardon.     O  be  perfuaded  to  flee  to  the  blood  of 
fprinkling.       Apply   anew  to   Chriil   Jefoj   the 
Lord  :  for  he  is  able  to  lave  them  to  the  utter- 
mod,  that  come  unto  God  by  him,  feeing  he  e- 
irer  liveth  to  make  interceflion  for  them. 

M  Ther* 


(     9°     ) 

Then  let  the  Miniftcr  pray,  in  the  following  or 
like  manner  : 

'  O  Lord,  do  thou,  who  haft  given  author!- 

*  ty  to  thy  fervahts  to  bind  and  to  looic  upon 
4  earth,  blefs  thine  own  ordinance.  May  this 
€  perfon  be  recovered  from  the  fnare  of  the  Dc- 

*  ftroyer.  None  are  able  to  pluck  the  people 
6  of  Chrift  out  of  his  hand.  Do  thou,  O  com- 
c  paffionate  Redeemer,  who  didft  pray  for  Pe- 
c  ter,  in  the  hour  of  temptation,  that  his  Faith 
'  might  not  fail,  and  who  didft  reltore  him  after 
■  he  had  fallen,  grant  repentance  unto  this  Of- 
6  fender.  May  his  heart  be  filled  with  godly 
c  forrow,  which  worketh  repentance  not  to  be 
'  repented  of.     O  Lord,  deal  not  with  him,  a'c- 

*  cording  to  the  demerit  of  his  fin  ;  but  do  thou 

*  magnify  thy  grace,  by  the  forgivenefs  of  all  his 

*  iniquities.     Blefs  thy  Church,  O  thou  King  of 

*  Saints,  and  preferve  thy  fervants   from   fuch 

*  heinous  offences.  Let  the  time  to  favour  Zi- 
c  on  come,   when  the   people  fhall    be  fubdued 

*  under  the  anointed   of  the  Lord.     Enable  us, 

*  ()  Lord,  to  watch  and  pray,  that  we  enter  not 
1  into  temptation.      Let  not   the  Adverlary  tri- 

*  umph  over  thy  chofen.  Hear  us,  moft  gra- 
'  cious  God,  for  the  fake  of  Jefus  Chrift,  theon- 

*  Jy  Mediator  between  God  and  man.     Amen* 

it  is  moft  expedient,  that  all  this  fliould  pafs 
only  before  the  Judicatory.  But,  if  any  Church 
think  it  moft  expedient  to  rebuke  the  Offender 
publicly,  this  folemn  exclulion,  from  the  privile- 
ufthe  Church,  may  be  in  the  prcfence  of  the 
Congregation. 

After  a  perfon  has  been  excluded  from  Church 
privileges,  it  is  not  fit,  that  he  be  given  over  as 
loft.     The  Miniftcr,  and  Elders,  and  other  Chrif- 

tiani, 


(     9'     ) 

tians,  fhould  take  occafion  ro  converfe  with  him; 
as  well  as  pray  frequently  in  private,  that  it  would 
pleafe  God  to  give  him  repentance.  And  it  may 
not  be  improper,  at  times,  particularly  on  days 
preparatory  to  the  difpqpfing  of  the  lord's 
Supper,  that  the  prayers  of  the  Church  be  of- 
fered up,  for  thofe  unhappy  perfons,  who  by 
their  wickednefs,  have  fiiut  themfelves  out  from, 
this  holy  communion. 

When  the  Judicatory  dial  I  be  fatisfied,  as  to 
the  reality  of  the  repentance  of  any  Offender,  he 
mail,  on  his  earned  importunity,  be  admitted  to 
profefs  his  repeinance  ;  and  be  reftored  to  the 
privileges  of  the  Church. 

It  is  mod  proper,  that  Penitents,  appointed  by 
the  SeiTion  to  be  reftored  to  Church -privileges, 
fhould  be  reconciled  in  the  prefence  of  the  Con- 
gregation :  [yet  this  is  not  fo  indifpenfible,  but 
that  a  Judicatory  may,  on  good  grounds,  do  it 
by  themfelves];  and  it  (hall  be  done  in  the  follow- 
ing or  Lke  manner  r 

The  Minifter,  having  called  the  Penitent,  in- 
the  prefence  of  the  Congregation,  (hall  fay  : 

'  Do  you  now  profefs  your  repentance  for 
c  your  iin  ;  your  fincere  defire  to  be  reilored  to 

*  the  privileges  of  the  Church  ;.  and  your  pur- 
c  pofe,    through    the  aftiftance   of  the    grace  of 

*  God,  to  live  as  it  becometh  the  Gofpel  V 
Upon  his  anfwering  in  the  affirmative,  the  Mi- 
nifter (hall  addrefs  him  thus  z 

Dear  Brother,  it  gives  us  fincere  pleafure  to 
be  allowed  to  entertain  a  hope,  that  you  have 
feen  your  folly,  your  fin,  and  your  danger,  and 
have  been  led  to  flee  for  refuge  to  the  only  hope 
fet  before  us  in  the  Gofpel.  Permit  me  to  re- 
mind you,  that  you  have  now  to  do  with  the- 

hear  fa 


I     9*     ) 

heart-fear  clung  God.     It  is  eafy  to  impofe  upon 
:  'hurrh  ;   you  may  deceive  man,  but  God 
cannot   be  deceived,    and   may  not   be  mod 
Oh  !  that  your  heart  may  be  right  with  him.     If 
you,   in  this  folcmn  maimer,  profefs  repentance, 
while  you   feel  no  true  repentance,  but  are  (fill 
drawn  with  the  Cords  of  iin,  be  afraid  :   for  the 
bands  of  mockers   (hall  be  made  ftrong.     But, 
Brother,   we  hope   better  things   of  you  ;     and 
;s  which  accompany  falvation,  though   we 
thus  fpeak.    Suiter  me  to  remind  you,  that  much 
-etionis  nccclTary;  and  that  a  humble,  ho- 
;  od  is  your  fpecial duty.  Youhave 
grieved  the  people  of  God,  and  given  occaiion  to 
•the  Advcrfciry  to  blaipheme.  Ibefeech  you,  endea-. 
vour.by  your  model!:  unaffected  piety, to  edify  the 
afcid  to  Hop  the  mouth  of  the  other.  V  our  late 
fall  lias,  no  doubt,  convinced  you  of  the  great  need 
save  of  the  grace  and  Spirit  of  God.     lave 
in  conflant  dependance  thereon  :    and  may  you 
be  enabled,  for  the  future,  to  adorn  the  doctrine 
pf  God  our  Saviour  in  all  things. 

Then  let   the  Miniiter   pray  to  the  following 
purpofe  : 

c  Mofl  gracious  God,  thou  art  the  Father  of 

*  mercies  ;   thou  art  the   God  of  all  grace,  and 

*  of  all  confolation.      Judgment  is    thy  ft  range 

*  work.       There  is  forgivencis  with  thee,  that 

*  thou  mayeft  be  feared.  With  the  Lord  there 
c  is  mercy,  and  with  him  is  plenteous  rcdemp- 
'  tion.  We  defire,  ()  God,  to  join  with  this 
6  pcrion   in  confefling  liis  iniquity.     O  may  his 

*  fia  be  ever  before  him.  May  he  be  waihed  in 
'  the  fountain  opened  for  fin.  Lord  thou  hail 
'  laid,  there  is  joy  in  heaven  over  one  (inner  that 
J  repenteth,  more  than  over  ninety  and  nim 

*  perfonsa 


(     93     ) 

*  pcrfcms,  who  need  no  repentance.     O  Lord, 

*  we  befecch  thee  to  magnify  thy    grace  by  fa* 

*  ving  this  precious  foul.     Do  thou  loofe  in  hea- 

*  ven,  as  we   now,  in  thy  name,  loofe  him  on 

*  earth.     O  Lord,  hide  thy  face  from  his  fins  ; 

*  and  blot  out  all  his  iniquities.     Create  in  him 

*  a  clean  heart,  O   God  ;     and  renew  a  right 

*  fpirit  within  him.      Reftore  unto  him  the  joy  of 

*  thy  falvation  ;   and  uphold  him  with  thy  free 

*  Spirit.     Blefs  all  thy  Church.     Keep  us  from 

*  falling.     Sanctify  us  wholly  in  body  and  fpirit ; 

*  And  may  we  all,  atlalt,  be  prefented  faultlefs, 

*  before  the  prefence  of  thy  glory,  with  exceed- 

*  ing  joy  :  for  the  fake  of  Jefus  Chrift,  for  whom 
4  we  thank  thee;  and  may,  Bleffinp,  and  hencur, 
(  and  glory,  and  power,  be  unto  him  that  ftteth 

*  upon  *he  throne,  and  unto  the  Lamb,  forever 

*  and  ever.     Amen.' 

Then  the  Minilter  (hall  fay  to  the  Penitent : 
•  By  virtue  of  the  authority  which  On  lit  hath 

*  left  in  the  Church,  for  its  edification,  I  pro- 
'  nounce  you  loofed  from  the  fentence  of  exclu- 
'  fion,  and  received  again  to  all  the  privileges 

*  of  the  Gofpel.      Go  and  fin  no  more,  left  a 

*  worfe  thing  bcfil  you.' 

When  any  perfon  has  been,  with  the  advice 
of  the  Prefbytery,  (as  directed  in  the  Form  of 
government  &:c.)  adjudged  to  be  cut  oif  from 
the  communion  of  the  Church,  it  is  proper  that 
the  fentence  be  pronounced  againlt.  him  ;  even 
although,  as  is  to  be  expected  in  fiich  cafes  of 
contumacy  and  wickednefs,  he  ihould  pretend 
to  defpife  the  cenfures  of  the  Church,  and  cither 
cad:  off  all  profeffion  of  religion,  or  go  ro  ano- 
ther denomination.  The  deiign  of  excommuni- 
cation is,  both  to  operate  upon  die  Offender  as 

the 


(     94     ) 

the  mear?  s  of  reclaim ing  him,*and  alfo  to  purge 
the  old  leaven  from  the  Church,  that  others 
may  not  be  reproached  for  his  vilenefs,  or   con- 
taminated with  his  example. 

The  Minifler  Shall,  after  the  ai&vice  of  the 
Prefhytery  has  been  obtained,  at  leail  two  Lev 
days  before  the  excommunication,  give  the  Con- 
gregation a  fhort  narrative  of  the  feveral  fl 
which  have  been  taken  with  their  fcandalotts, 
and  obflinate  brother,  and  inform  them,  that  it 
has  been  found  neceffary  to  refolve  to  cut  him. 
off  from  their  communion. 

On  the  forenoon  of  the  Lord's  day  appointed 
for  the  purpofe,  after  all  the  other  parts  of  v. 
Thip  are  over,   before  pronouncing  the  blefiing, 
the  Minifler  fhali  denounce  this  awful  fentence,, 
in  the  following  or  like  manner  : 

He  ihall  begin  by  fhewing  the  authority  of 
the  Church  to  call  out  unworthy  members,  from 
Mat.  XVIII.  15,  16,  17,  18;  iCor.  V.  .1,  2,  3, 
4,  5;  and  Ihall  briefly  explain  the  nature,  life,  and 
coniequences  ofthis  tremendous  cenfurc ;  warning 
the  people,  to  avoid  all  unneceilary  intercourse 
with  him  who  is  call  out,  and  to  let  him  be  unto 
them  as  an  Heathen  man  and  a  Publican. 

Then  he  Ihall  fay  :  (for  it  is  not  to  be  expect- 
ed the  perfon  will  be  prefent) 

'   Whereas    A.  B.    hath   been,   by   fuflicient 

*  proof,  convicted  of  [here  infert  the  iiu,]  and, 
c  after  much  admonition  and  prayer,  obflinately 

*  refufcth  to  hear  the  Church,  and  hath  manifeil- 
c  ed  no  evidence  of  repentance  :  Therefore,  in 
c  the  name  and  by  the  authority  of  the  Lord  Je- 
8  fus  Chrift,  I  pronounce  him  ihut  out  from  the 
c  Church  of  God,  and  delivered  unto  Satan,  that 

*  his  fpirk  may  be  faved  in  the  day  o(  the  Lord 
t  jc:  Thea 


(   Is  ) 

Then  the  Miniftcr  fhall  pray,  to  the  following 
purpofe  : 

'  Holy,  holy,  holy,  Lord  God  Almighty,  thou 
art  of  purer  eyes  than  to  behold  iniquity,  or 
to  look  upon  fin.  Evil  (hall  not  dwell  with 
thee,  nor  fools  ftand  in  thy  fight.  O  Lord, 
do  thou  blefs  this  ordinance  which  thou  haft 
inftituted.  As  wc  have,  by  thy  appointment, 
ihut  out  this  obitinate  finner  from  the  Church 
of  the  living  God  ;  do  thou  bind  in  hea- 
ven, whom  we  now,  in  thy  name,  bind  upon 
earth.  Let  not  thy  Church  or  people  be  con- 
taminated with  this  unworthy  member,  whom, 
as  old  leaven,  we  have  now  purged  out.  Let: 
not  his  fins  prove  a  reproach  to  our  molt  holy 
profeffion.  ■  But,  O  mod  merciful  God,  thoit' 
feekefl  not  the  deftrucHon  of  the  finner.  Take 
not,  we  befeech  thee,  thy  holy  Spirit  wholly- 
from  this  unhappy  Perfon.  O  caufe  him  to 
feel  the  tremendous  danger  of  being  without 
God,  and  without  hope  in  the  world.  Con- 
vince him,  by  thy  Spirit,  of  fin,  of  righteouf- 
nefs,  and  of  judgment.  O  Lord,  from  a  deep* 
fenfe  of  guilt,  may  he,  in  due  time,  be  laid 
under  the  happy  neceiiity,  of  feeking  the 
peace  of  God  and  of  his  Church  ;  that  fo  he, 
who  hath  been  bound  with  much  grief  and  re- 
luctance, may  be  loofed  with  the  joy  of  all 
Saints.  And,  O  Lord,  may  thy  people,  warn- 
ed by  this  dreadful  example,  fear  and  do  na 
more  prefumptuouily.  O  Lord,  hear,  anfwer, 
and  do,  for  the  fake  of  Jefus  Chrift  :  and  to 
thy  name  be  afcribed  glory,  dominion,  and 
praife,  world  without  end.     AmenS 


h 


(     96     ) 

It  may  perhaps  happen,  that  fome,  whora 
Go;l  hath  given  up  to  a  ("eared  conlcience  and 
to  hardnefs  of  heart,  will  aitecr.  to  deipife  this 
fentence,  and  to  be  highly  offended  with  the 
Church.  But  in  general  excommunicated  per- 
f  jns,  when  they  coolly  reilcc~t  on  their  fin,  and  re- 
member that  this  is  the  ordinance  of  Chrift,  will  it 
is  hoped  be  wounded  in  their  hearts  and  pricked  in 
their  reins.  Like  Cain,  when  God  pronounced 
fentence  upon  him  for  the  murder  of  his  brother, 
they  will  find  their  punifhment  greater  than  they 
are  able  to  bear.  Knowing  themfelves  to  be 
an  execration  and  a  curie  in  the  earth,  they 
will,  for  the  moil  part,  be  deiirous  of  being 
delivered  from  this  unhappy  condition.  As  the 
Father  ran  to  meet  the  prodigal  Ion,  when  he 
was  yet  a  great  way  off ;  fo  the  Church  mould 
cherilh  every  fymptom  of  humility  and  re- 
pentance* 

When  the  Church-Scflicn  (hall  have  obtained 
fatisfaction,  as  to  the  fincerity  of  his  penitence, 
and  have  confulted  the  Prefbytery,  the  Miniiter 
fhall,  at  lead  two  Lord's  days  before,  inform  the 
Congregation  of  the  Heps  which  have  been  taken 
with  the  excommunicated  perfon  ;  and  that  it  is 
refolved  to  reftore  him  to  Church-privileges. 

On  the  day  appointed  for  his  absolution,  when 
all  the  other  parts  of  divine  fervice  are  over,  be- 
fore pronouncing  the  bleiling  in  the  forenoon, the 
Minifter  (hall  call  upon  the  excommunicated  per- 
fon, and  propofe  to  him,  in  the  prefence  of  the 
Congregation,  the  following  queftions  : 

6  Do  you,  from  a  deep  fenie  of  your  great 
c  wickednefs,  freely  confefs  your  fin,  obltina- 
■  cy  and  prefumption,  in  thus  rebelling  againfl 
J  God,  and  in  refufing  to  hear  his  Church  ; 

*  and 


V     97     J 

*  and  do  you  acknowledge  that  you  have  been; 
c  in  juftice  and  mercy,  cut  off  from  the  commit- 

*  nion  of  the  Saints  ?      Anfwer,  I  do.     Do  you 

*  now  voluntarily  profefs  your  iincere  rcpent- 
'  ance,  and  deep  contrition,  for  your  fin  and  ob- 
4  ftiriacy  ;  and  do  you  humbly  aik  the  forgive- 

*  nefs  of  God  and  of  his  Church  ?  Anfwer,  I 
i  do.      Do  you  fincerely  promife,   through  di- 

*  vine  grace,  to  live  in  all  humblenefs  of  mind 
c  And   circumfpection  ;    and  to  endeavour  to  a- 

*  dorn  the  doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour,  by 
t  having  your  converfuion  as  becometh  the  Gof- 

*  pel  ?     Anfwer  I  do.'  t     ._ 

Here  the  Mini'fter  fhall  give  the  Penitent  a  fuit- 
able  exhortation  ;  addreffing  him  in  the  bowels  of 
brotherly  love,  encouraging  and  comforting  him. 
Then  he  fhall  pronounce  the  fentence  of  abfolu- 
tion,  in  the  following  words  i 

4  Whereas  you?  A.  B;  for  your  fin  and  obfti- 
6  nacy,  have  been  fhut  out  from  the  communion 
'  of  the  Faithful,  but  have  now  mani felted  fuch 
c  repentance  as  fatisfies  the  Church:  In  the  name 

*  of  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift  and  by  his  authority^ 
c  I  declare  you  abfolved,  from  the  fentence  of  ex- 
4  communication'  formerly  denounced  againft 
c  you  ;  and  I  do,  with  pleafure,  receive  you  in* 
c  to  the  communion  of  the    phurch,  that  you 

*  may  be  a  partaker  of  all  the  benefits  of  the 
4  Lord  Jefus  to  your  eternal  falvation.' 

Here  the  Minilter  fhall  pray  to  the  following 
effeft  : 

c  Almighty  God,  and  mod  merciful  Father  $ 

*  thou  wilt  not   execute  the  fiercenefs  of  thine 

*  anger,  thou  wilt  not  return  to  deflroy  ;  for  thou 

*  art  God,    and  not  man,  the  holy   One  in  the 

*  midft  of  us.       Thy  thoughts  are  not  as  our 

N  4  thoughts  j 


(    9s    )' 

thoughts  ;  therefore  the  fons  of  men  are  not 
confuted.  Thou  art  a  faithful  God,  keeping, 
mercy  for  thoufands,  forgiving  iniquity,  tranf- 
greffion,  and  fins,  and  that  will  by  no  means 
clear  the  guilty.  We  humbly  adore  and  yield 
thee  hearty  thanks,  for  the  exceeding  gr 
riches  of  thy  grace  in  Chrrft  Jefus.  In  him 
thou  art  reconciling  the  world  unto  thyfelf; 
not  imputing  unto  them  their  trefpaiTcs  or  their 
fins.  Encouraged  by  the  numberlefs  intima- 
tions of  thy  mercy  and  grace,  O  Lord,  we  prc- 
fent  this  Penitent  unto  thee.  Againli  thee, 
thee  only,  has  he  finned,  and  in  thy  fight  done 
this  evil.  O  Lord,  he  hath  hardened  himfelf 
againft  reproof.  Like  profane  Efau,he  hath  de- 
fpifed  his  birth-right.  He  hath  counted  it  a 
fmall  thing  to  be  cut  off  from  the  Church  of 
the  living  God.  Wc  mufl  confefs  before  thee, 
O  thou  moll  High,  that  he  hath  trodden  un- 
der foot  the  fon  of  God,  and  hath  counted  the 
blood  of  the  covenant  wherewith  he  was  lane- 
tified,  an  unholy  thing.  ()  Lord,  let  him  not 
be  like  Efau,  who  found  no  place  for  repent- 
ance, though  he  fought  it  carefully  with  tears. 
We  befecch  thee,  O  our  God,  to  fill  his  heart, 
more  and  more,  with  godly  forrow.  May  he 
receive,  from  the  Prince  and  Saviour  exalted, 
true  repentance,  and  remillion  of  fins.  May 
his  heart  be  fprinkled  from  an  evil  confeience, 
and  his  body  waihed  with  pure  water.  Re- 
ceive him,  O  Lord,  into  thy  fold,  as  we  now, 
in  thy  name,  receive  him  again  into  the  Church. 
May  his  foul  be  bound  in  the  bundle  of  life. 
Preferve  him  from  temptation  ;  and  may  he 
henceforth  live  in  thy  fear.  O  God,  blefs  all 
thy  people.      May  their  love  be  confirmed  to 

<  this 


t     99     ) 

is  penitent.     Let  him  that  thinketh  he  fland- 

*  eth  take  heed  lcit  he  fall.     Let  no  evil  furmi- 

*  fing,   againfl  their  brother,  find  place  in  their 

*  hearts  :  but  may  love,  which  covereth  a  mul- 

*  tit ude  of  fins,  poifefs  every  foul.     Forgive,  we 

*  befeech  thee,  all  our  fins,  and  preferve  us  un- 

*  to  thy  heavenly  kingdom  and  glory  :   for  the 

*  fake  of  Jefus  Chriit,  who  is   our  Advocate  in 

*  heaven  ;  and  who,  with  the  Father,  and  the 

*  Holy   Spirit,  ever  liveth   and  reigneth,  in  one 
c  undivided  Godhead.     Amen.* 

Of  the  Solemnization  of  Marriage. 

Marriage  is  not  a  facrament,  nor  peculiar  to 
the  Church  of  Chrift.  It  is  proper  that  every 
Commonwealth,  for  the  good  of  fociety,  make 
laws  to  regulate  Marriage,  which  all  Citizens  are 
bound  to  obey. 

Chriftians  ought  to  marry  in  the  Lord  ;  there- 
fore it  is  fit,  that  their  marriage  be  fofemhized 
by  a  lawful  Minifter,  that  fpecial  infl.ruct.ion  may 
be  given  them,  and  fuitable  prayers  made, when 
they  enter  into  this  relation. 

Marriage  is  to  be  between  one  man  and  one 
woman  only  ;  and  they  are  not  to  be  within  the 
degrees  of  confanguinity  or  affinity  prohibited 
by  the  word  of  God. 

The  parties  ought  to  be  of  fuch  years  of  dis- 
cretion as  to  be  capable  of  making  their  own 
choice  ;  and  if  they  be  under  age,  or  live  with 
their  parents,  the  confent  of  the  parents,  or  o- 
thers  under  whofe  care  they  are,  ought  to  be  pre- 
viouily  obtained,  and  well  certified  to  the  Mi- 
nilter,  before  he  proceeds  to  folemnize  the  mar- 
riage. 

Parents 


C      100      ) 

Parents  ought  neither  to  compel  their  children 
to  marry  contrary  to  their  own  inclinations,  nof 
deny  their  confent  without  juit  and  important 
ireafons. 

Marriage  is  of  a  public  nature.  The  welfare 
of  civil  fociety,  the  happinefs  of  families,  and 
the  credit  of  religion  are  deeply  intereftcd  in  if. 
Therefore  the  pfrrpbfe  of  marriage  plight  to  he 
fiifficiently  ;  I  a  proper  time,  previoufly  to 

ffoe  foienraization  of  it.  It  is  enjoined  on  all 
Miniftert  to  be  careful  that,  in  this  matter,  they 
neither  trap fgrefs  the  laws  of  God,  nor  the  laws 
of  the  community  :  And  that  they  may  not  de- 
stroy the  peace  and  comfort  of  families,  they  inuit 
be  properly  certified,  with  refpecT:  to  the  parties 
applying  to  them,  that  no  juif  objections  lie  a- 
gainft  their  marriage. 

Marriage  mult  always  be  performed  before 
a  com}  etent  number  of  witneiles  ;  and  the  Min- 
jfter  is  to  give  a  certificate  of  the  marriage,  when 
required. 

When  the  parties  prefent  thcmfclvcs  for  marri- 
age, the  Miniilcr  is  to  defire,  if  there  is  any  per- 
fon  prefent  who  knows  any  lawful  reafon  why 
thefe  perfons  may  not  be  joined  together  in  thp 
marriage  relation,  t]rat  they  will  now  make  it 
known,  or  ever  after  hold  their  peace. 

No  objections  being  made,  lie  is  then  feveral- 
Jy  to  addrefs  himfelf  to  the  parties  to  be  mar- 
ried, in  the  following  or  like  words  : 

'  You,  fir,  declare,  in  the  prefence  of  God,, 
'  that\ou  do  not  ktiQW  any  reafon,  by  precon- 
*  tract  or  otherwife,  why  you  may  not  lawfully 
I  marry  this  woman.* 

Upon  his  declaring  he  docs  not,  the  Minifter 
fhall  addrefs  himfelf  to  the  Bride,  in  the  fame  or 
iimilar  terms : 

«  You 


(     »oi     ) 

*  You, Madam, declare, in  theprefenceofCod, 
t  that  you  do  not  know  any  reafon,  by  prec'  u- 
f  tra<ft  or  otherwife,  why  you  may  not  lawfuily 
f   marry  this  man.' 

Upon  her  declaring  flic  does  not,  he  is  to  praj 
to  the  following  import  : 

4  Moil  holy,  and  moft  gracious   God,  we  a- 

*  dore  thee  as  the  Maker  of  our  bodies,  and  [he 

*  father  of  oar  fpirits.      Be  pleafed  to    a< 

?  our  grateful  acknowledgments,   thar  thou  haft 

f  made  us  rational  creatures  ;    and  that  thou  haft 

f  made  us  capable  of  the  various  blcflmgs  of  the 

'  fecial  life.     We  adore  thee  for  the  initiation 

c  of  marriage  ;  and  that  thou  hafl  raadt   it   ho- 

*  nourable  in  all.     Be  plea  led  to  blefs  thtfc  per- 

DS  who  are  about  to  be  joined  to  each  other 
f  in  this  intimate  and  tender  relation.  While 
f  they  join  hands  may  they  join  hearts  ;   and  be- 

*  ing  united  to  each  other  in  the  marriage  cove* 
f  nam,  may  they  be  united  to  the  Lord  Jems  in 
i   that  covenant,  which  is  ordered  in  all   things 

*  and  fure.      May  they  enter  upon  this  impor- 

*  tant  relation  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord  ;   and  have 

*  abundant  caufc  to   adore  and   rejoice  in   that 

*  providence  that  hath  formed  it  between  them. 

*  We  devoutly  pray  for  thy  gracious  prefence 
'  with  us  j  for  the  pardon  of  our  fins  ;  and 
c  for  the  acceptance  both  of  our  perfons  and 
f  fervices  ;  for  the  fake  of  Jefus  Chrift,  thy  Son, 

*  our  only  Lord  and  Saviour.     Amcri 

The  Minider  (hall  then  proceed  to  give  them 
fome  inftruc'tion,  from  the  Scriptures,  refpecling 
the  inftitution  and  duties  of  this  ftate,  {hewing  ; 

'  That  God  has  inilituted  marriage  for  the 
S  comfort  and  happinefs  of  mankind,  in  declaring 
t  a  man  fhali  forfake  his  father  and  mother  and 
\  cleave  unto  his  wife,  and  that  marriage  is  ho- 

4  nourable 


{     io$     ) 

i  noimiWe  in  all  ;  that  he  hath  appointed  van, 
oils  duties,  which  arc    incumbent    upon   l- 
Who  enter  mto  this  relation  ;  fuch  as,  a  high  e- 
ftccm   and    mutual  love  for    another  ;    bear. 

*  rag;  with  each  other's  infirmities  and  weak- 
Defies,  to  which  human  nature  isfubjefl  in  its 
prefent  lapfed  ilate;  to  encourage  <  ach  other  un„ 
der  the  various  ills  of  life  ;   to  comfort  on 

^  nother  m  hcknefs  ;  in  hbnefty  and  induftry  to 

^  provide  for  each  others  temporal  fupport  ;  to 
pray  for  and  encourage  one  another,  in  the 

;  things  which  pertain  to  God,  and  to  their  im, 
mortal  fouls  ;  and  to  live  together  as  the  heirs 
of  trie  grace  of  life.1 

Then  the  Miniffier  mall  caufe  the  bridegroom 
and  bride  to  join  their  right  hands,  and  mall  pro- 
pounce  the  marriage  covenant, firlt  to  the  man,  in 
thefe  wore: 

You,  fir,  take  this  woman,  whom  you  hold 
;  b}^  the  hand,  to  be  your  lawful  and' married 
•  f  wire  ;  and  you  promife,  and  covenant,  in  th^ 
'  prefence  of  God  and  thefe  win 
w  will  be  unto  her  a  loving  and  faithful  hufband, 
*  until  you  fhallbe  feparatod  by  death.' 

The  Bridegroom  mall  exprefs  his  confent,  bs 
laying,  '  Yes  I  do.' 

Then  the  Minifter  mall  addrefs  himfelf  to  the 
nan  in  thefe  words  : 

You,  Madam,  take  this  man,  whom  you 
5  hold  by  the  hand,  to  be  your  lawful  and  mar- 
d  huihand  ;  and  you  promife,  and  cove- 
'  nam,  in  the  prefence  of  God  and  thefe  wit- 
^  neflfa*,  that  you  will  be  unto  him  a  loving 
faithful,  and  obedient  wife,  until  you  fliall  be 
4  Separated  by  death.' 

«  Bride  fliall  exprefs  her  confent,  by  faying 
■  Ye,,  I  do.'  .       )    f  Jg 


(    W3     ) 

Then  the  miniflef  is  to  fay  ; 

'  I    pronounce  you,  Hulband  and  Wife,  i 

*  cording  to  the  ordinance  of  God  ;  what  th< 

c  fore  God  hath  joined  together,  let  not  man  put 
c   air 

After  this  the  Miniftcr  may  exhort  them,  in  a 
few  words,  to  the  mutual  difcharge  pf  their  duty. 

xn  let  him  conclude  with  a  prayer  to  i 
cffe&. 

'  Mod  merciful  and  gracious  God,    in  whom 

*  all  the  families  of  the  earth  are  blefTed,  we  pray 

*  for  thy  blefliug  to  defcend  upon  thefe  perfons, 

*  whom  now,  in  thy  holy  providence,  thou  haft 
6  brought  into  the  marriage  relation.  May  they 
c  enter  upon  a  family  (late  in  thy  fear,  and  live 

■  in  thy  favour.      Blefs  them   with   all  fpirimal 

*  and  temporal  blcffirigs  ;    Blefs  them  in  their 

*  bafket,  and  in  their  ftore.     May  they  dwell  to- 

*  gether  in  love,  as   joint  heirs  of  the   grace  of 

*  life,  that  their  prayers  may  not  be  hindered. 
c  We  commit  them,  O  Lord,  to  thy  indulgent 
c  providence,  praying,  that  goodnels  and  mercy 

*  may  attend  them  all  the  days  of  their  appoint- 

*  ed  time.       We  thank   thee,    for  the   prefent 

*  joyful  occafion  ;  and  that  the  voice  of  the 
1  bridegroom  and  of  the  bride  is  full  heard 
4  among  us.  May  we  rejoice  in  thy  fear. 
c  Keep  us  back  from  fin.  Pardon  all  our  tranf- 
c  greffions.     Kelp  us  all  to  live  in  the  faithful 

*  difcharge   of  the  duties  which  are  incumbent 

■  upon  us,  in  our  various  relations.  Guide  us 
(  by  thy  counfel  through  this  world,  and  after- 
'  wards  admit  us  to  that  flate  of  perfection, 
c  where  there  will  be  neither  marrying  nor  giv- 
c  ing  in  marriage,  but  where  we  mall  be  as  the 
c  angels  of  thy  prefence :  And  now  to  the  Fa- 

*  ther,the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghoft,  be  afcribed 

*  everlafling  praifes.     J/nen.'  Let1 


(      104     ) 

Let  the  Miniftcr  keep  a  proper  regiftcr,  of  tnc 
names  of  all"  perfons  whom  he  marries,  and  of  the 
time  of  their  marriage,  for  the  peruial  of  all 
whom  it  may  concern. 

Of  the  Yifitation  nj  the  Sick. 

When  perfons  are  fick,  it  is  their  duty,  before 
their  flrength  arid  unci  enland  rug  fail  them,  to 
fend  for  their  Miniiter,  and  to.  make  known  to' 
him,  with  prudence,  their  fpirituai  ftate  ;  or  to 
confult  him  on  the  concerns  of  their  precious 
fouls  :.  And  it  is  his  duty  to  v'iiit  them,  at  their 
requeft,  and  to  apply  himfelf,  with  all  tendernefs 
and  love,  to  adminiiler  fpirituai  good  to  their 
immortal  fouls. 

He  mall  inuruct  the  fick,  otit  of  the  Scrip- 
tures, that  difeafes  arife  not  out  of  the  ground, 
nor  do  they  come  by  chance  ;  but  that  they  are 
directed  and  lent  by  a  wife  and  holy  God,  either 
for  correction  of  lift-,  for  the  trial  of  grace,  for 
improvement  in  religion,  (  f  for  other  important 
ends  :  and  that  they  (half  work  together  for 
good  to  all  thofe  who  make  a  wife  improvement 
of  God's  vilitation,  neither  defpifing  his  chalten- 
ing  hand,  nor  waxing  weary  of  his  rebukes. 

If  the  Minifier  apprehend  him  to  be  groily  ig- 
norant, he  (hall  examine  him  upon  the  molt  pkiir\ 
and  important  principles  of  religion  ;  and  inllrucl: 
him,  in  the  nature  of  repentance  and  faith,  and 
the  way  of  acceptance  with  God,  through  the 
mediation  and  atonement  of  Jefus  Chriif. 

He  mail  exhort  the  fick  to  examine  hirtifelf ;  to 
iearch  his  heart,  and  try  his  former  ways,  by  the 
word  of  God  ;  and  ailift  him,  by  mentioning 
fome  of  the  obvious  marks  &nd  evidences  of  fin- 
cere  piety.  If 


(     lcS    ) 

if  the  fick  fhall  fignify  any  fcruplc,  doubt  or 
temptation,  under  which  he  labours,  the  Minifler, 
m'uft  endeavour  to  refolve  li is  doubts,  and  admit 
nifler  inflruction  and  direction,  as  the  caie  may 
fcem  ro  require. 

he  Tick  appear  to  be  a  flupid,  thoughtlefs 
and  hardened  (inner,  he  lliall  endeavour  to  awa- 
ken his  mind  ;  to  aroufe  his  confeience  ;  to  con- 
vince him  of  the  evil  and  danger  of  fin  ;  of  the 
curie  of  the  law,  and  the  wrath  of  God  due  to 
finners  ;  to  bring  him  to  a  humble  and  peniten- 
tial fenfe  of  his  iniquities  ;  and  to  {fate  before 
him  the  fulnefs  of  the  grace  -and  mercy  of  God, 
in  and  through  the  glorious  Redeemer  ;  the 
abfolute  neceflity  of  faith  and  repentance,  in  or- 
der to  his  being  interefted  in  the  favour  of  God, 
or  his  obtaining  everlafting  happinefs. 

If  the  fick  .perfon  Avail  appear  to  have  know- 
ledge, ro  be  of  a  tender  confeience,  and  to  have 
been  endeavouring  to  ferve  God  in  uprightnefs, 
though  not  without  many  failings  and  fmful  in- 
firmities ;  or  if  his  fpirit  be  broken  with  a  fenfe 
of  fin,  or  through  apprehenfions  of  the  want  of 
the  divine  favour  ;  then  it  will  be  proper  to  ad* 
minifler  confolation  and  encouragement  to  him, 
by  fetting  before  him  tlv- freenefs  and  riches  of 
the  grace  of  God.  the  all-fufHciency  of  the right- 
eoufnefs  of  Chiift,  and  the  fupporting  promifes 
of  the  gofpel. 

The  Minifler  muft  endeavour  to  guard  the 
fick  perfon  againfl:  ill-grounded  perfuafions  of  the 
mercy  of  God,  without  a  vital  union  to  Chrift  ; 
and  againft  unreafonable  fears  of  death  and  de- 
fponding  difcouragements  ;  againfl  prefumption 
upon  his  own  goodnefs  and  merit,  upon  the  one 
hand  ;  and  againfl  defpair  of  the  mercy  and 
grace  of  God  in  Chrift.  Jefus,  on  the  other. 

O  In 


(     >c6     ) 

In  one  word,  it  is  the  Minifter's  duty  to  admi- 
nifter  to  the  lick  perfon  indruction,  conviction, 
fupport,  confolation  or  encouragement,  as  his 
cafe  may  fecra  to  require. 

At  a  proper  time,  when  he  is  moft  compofed, 
the  Minider,  if  dcfired,  flbaU  pray  with  and  for 
him,  in  the  following  or  like  manner. 

'  O  thou,  fovereign,  great  and  glorious  Jeho- 
'  yah, we  bow  down  before  thee,  and  acknowledge 
c  our  abfolute  dependance  upon  thee.  Thou 
'  haft  made  it  our  duty  to  pray  with  and  for  the 
6  fick  and  the  afflicted.  Enable  us,  at  this  time, 
c  to  pray  in  faith,  to  confefs  our  fins  with  peni- 

*  tentiai  fentiments  of  heart,  and  to  draw  near 
<  to   thee,    in  humble  dependance  upon   the  a- 

*  tonement  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jefus  Chrift. 
c  We  acknowledge,  that  we  are  guilty  tinners, 
'  finners  by  nature  and  tinners  by  practice.  Sin  is 
'  the  procuring  caufe  of  all  the  calamities  which 
c  come  upon  us.  Sin  has  introduced  ficknefs, 
c  pain,  mifery  and  death  into  our  apoftatc  world. 
c  Affliction  cometh  not  forth  of  the  dull,  neither 

*  doth  trouble  fpring  out  of  the  ground.  O 
6  Lord,  thou  killed  and  thou  makeit  alive,  thou 
'  wounded  and  thou  hea.lcft,  thou  layed  on  beds 
c  of  ficknefs,  and  thou  raifed  up  again.  Thou 
'  had  brought  us  into  this  world,  thou  eontinu- 
'  ed  us  in  it,  and  taked  us  out  of  it  according  to 
c  thy  holy  pleafure.  We  know  and  are  aflured, 
'  that  the  God  of  all  the  earth  always  does  that 

*  which  is  right. 

6  O  mod  merciful  Father,  extend  compafTion 
c  to  this  perfon  on  a  bed  of  ficknefs,  languidi- 
1  ment  and  didrefs.  Shew  unto  him  why  thou 
'  contended  with  him,  and  why  thou  afflicted 
c  him  very  fore.     Rebuke  him  not  in  thine  an- 

'  ger, 


(     io7     ) 

ger,  nor  chaften  him  in  thy  hot  difpieafure. 
When  thou  with  rebukes  doft  chaften  man  for 
fin,  thou  makcft  his  beauty  to  coniume  away 
like  a  moth.  Let  him  neither  defpife  the  chai- 
ning of  the  Lord,  nor  faint  when  he  is  rebu- 
ked of  him.  Remove  thy  ftroke,  we  pray  thee. 
O  fpare  a  little,  that  he  may  recover  (Irength, 
before  he  go  hence,  and  be  here  no  more. 
Sanctify  to  him  this  vifitation  of  thy  provi- 
dence. Enable  him  to  make  a  fuitable  improve- 
ment of  it,  for  his  foul's  good.  Prepare  him 
for  all  the  events  of  thy  will.  If  thou  art  pleaf- 
ed  to  recover  him  from  this  affliction,  and  to 
add  unto  his  days,  we  pray  that  he  may  rife  to 
health  and  ftrength,  with  a  faithful  remem- 
brance of  thy  correcting  hand,  and  with  full 
purpofes  of  holinefs  and  new  obedience. 
When  thou  haft  tried  him,  O  Lord,  let  him 
come  forth  as  gold  which  has  been  tried. 
Speak  the  word  and  hefhall  be  healed.  Deal 
bountifully  with  him  and  he  Dial!  live  and 
praife  thee.  But  if  this  ficknefs  be  unto  den 
and  thou  haft  determined  to  fmifh  his  days  by 
the  prefent  vifitation,  O  Lord,  have  me: 
upon  his  precious  foul.  Pardon  all  his  fi  . 
Give  him  clear  evidences  of  an  intereft  in  thy 
favour.  May  he  find,  by  fweet  experience, 
his  foul  united  to  Jefus  by  a  new  and  liv 
faith.  Save  him  from  the  temptations  of  v 
tan.  Take  away  the  fting  of  death,  and  raufe 
him  to  triumph  over  the  grave  ;  and.  when 
his  flefh  and  his  heart  faileth,  be  thou  the 
ftrength  of  his  heart,  and  his  portion  forev  r. 
O  Lord,  we  wait  for  thy  falvation.  We  com- 
mit him  unto  thee,  praying,  that  if  he  liv-%  f^e 
may  live  to  thee,  and  if  he  die,  that  he  mWf 

'  ft? 


1*8     ) 

c  die  to  thee,  that  whether  he  liverh  or  i 

c  nay  be  thine     Hear  us,  O  our  G 

c  fwer  us,  only  for  the  fake  of  our  divine  Re- 

6  deemer  ;  to  whom,  with  the  Father,  and  Spr- 

c  rit  of  all  grace,  be  given  glory,  and  honour, 

c  and  dominion,  and  power,   forever  and  ever. 

6  Amen/ 

The  Minifter  fliall  admonifti  him  to  fettle  his 
worldly  affairs  ;  to  make  rcftitution  or  fati$fac% 
t-ion  where  he  hath  done  any  wrong  ;  to  be  re- 
conciled to  thofe  with  whom  lie  may  have  hern 
at  variance  ;  to  forgive  all  men  their  trefp 
againft  him,  as  he  expects  f<  >rgivenefs  from  God ; 
and,  if  he  be  rich,  to  dilpofe  of  fome  part  of  hrs 
worldly  fubftance  for  charitable  purpofes,  or  for 
the  Church  of  Chrift. 

Laftly,  the  Minifter  may  improve  the  prefem 
occafion  to  exhort  thofe  about  the  fick,  to  conir- 
der  their  mortality  ;  to  turn  to  the  Lord  and  make 
their  peace  with  him  ;  in  health  to.  prepare  for 
ficknefs,  death  and  judgment. 

Of  the  Burial  of  the  Dead. 

When  any  Chriftian  departs  this  life,  let  the 
corpfe  be  taken  care  of  in  a  decent  manner,  and 
be  kept  a  proper  and  fufficient  time  before  inter- 
ment. 

When  the  feafon  for  the  funeral  comes,  let 
all  who  are  prefent,  conduct  themfelves  with  gra- 
vity. We  highly  difapprove  of  the  ufe  of  fpiri- 
tuous  liquors  at  the  funeral  of  any  perfons  ol 
our  communion  ;  and  we  recommend  die  utter 
abolition  of  a  cuftom  fo  oftcnfive  and  improper. 
It  is  decent  and  proper,  that  perfons  be  interred, 
in  a  manner  fuitable  to  their  rank  and  condition 
while  living. 

Lev 


(      >°9     J 

t  the  CUriftian  friends,    who  attend   a' 
iioufe  of  the  funeral,  apply  themfclves  to  krriuus 
meditation  and  difcourfc;  and  the  Minifter,  it  ; 
lent,  may  exhort  them  to  confide*  the  frailty  of 
hfe,  and  the  importance  of  being  prepared  for 
death  and  eternity. 

Then  let  the  dead  body  be  decently  attended 
to  the  grave,  and  there  immediately  interred 
\\  itliout  any  ceremony. 

Of  Fafhig  ;    and  of  the  obfer-jation  of  days   of 
Tbankjgi-ving. 

There  is  no  day  under  the  Gofpel  command- 
ed to  be  kept  holy,  except  the  Lord's  day,  which 
is  the  chrifttan  fabbath. 

Thole  feafons,  vulgarly  called  holidays,  not 
being  appointed  in  the  word  of  God,  but  having 
been  introduced  in  times  of  fuperftition,  and  a- 
bufed  to  much  fin,  are  not  to  b^  obferved  by  the 
people  of  our  communion. 

Neverthelefs  to   obferve  days    of  and 

thankfgiving,  as  the  extraordinary  difpenfattoas 
of  divine  providence  may  direct,  we  judge  both 
fcriptural  and  rational. 

Fads  and  thanksgivings  may  be  obferved  by 
individual  Chriilians,  or  families,  in  private,  by 
particular  Congregations,  by  a  number  of  Con- 
gregations contiguous  to  each  other,  by  the  Con- 
gregations under  the  care  of  a  Prefbytery,  or 
of  a  Synod,  or  by  all  the  Congregations  of  our 
Church. 

It  muft  be  left  to  the  judgment  and  difcretion 
of  every  Chriflian  and  family  to  determine,  when 
it  is  proper  to  obferve  a  private  faft  or  thankf- 
giving ;  and  to  the  Church-feilion  to  determine 


(      »o     ) 

for  particular  Congregations  ;  and  to  the  Pref- 
byteries  or  Synods  to  determine  for  larger  dif- 
tricls.  When  it  is  deemed  expedient  that  a  fad 
or  thankfgiving  mould  be  general,  the  call  for 
them  mult  be  judged  of  by  the  Synod  or  Gene- 
ral Council.  And  if  at  any  time  the  civil  power 
fhould  think  it  proper  to  appoint  a  fail  or  thankf- 
giving, it  is  the  duty  of  the  Minilters  and  people 
of  our  communion,  as  we  live  under  a  chriftian 
government,  to  pay  all  due  refpeel:  to  the  fame. 
Public  notice  is  to  be  °iven  a  convenient  time 

o 

before  the  day  of  fafting  or  thankfgiving  comes, 
that  perfons  may  fo  order  their  temporal  affairs, 
that  they  may  properly  attend  to  the  duties  thereof. 

There  mall  be  public  worfhip  upon  all  fuch 
days  ;  and  let  the  prayers,  pfalms,  portions  of 
fcripture  to  be  read,  and  fermons,  be  all,  in  a 
fpecial  manner  adapted  to  theoccafion. 

On  fad  days,  let  the  Minilter  point  out  the 
authority  and  providences  calling  to  the  obferva- 
tion  thereof  ;  and  let  him  fpend  a  more  than  u- 
fual  portion  of  time  in  folemn  prayer,  particular 
confeflion  of  fin,  efpecially  of  the  fins  of  the  day 
and  place,  with  their  aggravations,  which  have 
brought  down  the  judgments  of  heaven.  And 
let  the  whole  day  be  fpent  in  deep  humiliation 
and  mourning  before  God. 

On  days  of  thankfgiving,  he  is  to  give  the  like 
information,  respecting  the  authority  and  provi- 
dences which  call  to  the  obfervance  of  them  ; 
and  to  fpend  a  more  than  ufual  part  of  the  time 
in  the  giving  of  thanks,  agreeably  to  the  occa- 
fion,and  in  fmging  pfalms  or  hymns  ofpraife. 

It  is  the  duty  of  people,  on  thefe  days,  to  re- 
joice with  holy  gladnefs  of  heart  ;  and  to  maiii- 

feit 


(  "I  ) 

fell  the  liberality,  which  is  their  great  duty  up* 
on  fuch  occafions,  by  fending  portions  and  giv- 
ing gifts.  But  let  trembling  be  fo  joined  with 
our  mirth,  as  that  no  excefs  or  unbecoming  levi- 
ty be  indulged. 

Of  ihe  Ordination    of  Minifters  of  the  Gofpel. 

The  Ordination  of  a  Pcrfon,  to  the  Work  of 
the  Gofpel  Miniftry,  is  the  fetting  Him  apart 
to  this  holy  Office,  agreeably  to  the  Inftitution 
of  Chrift,  the  great  Head  of  the  Church.  This 
is  the  Bufinefs  of  the  Prefbytery. 

When  the  Perfon  to  be  ordained  has  paffed 
through  the  Trials  prefcribed  in  the  Form  of  Go- 
vernment and  Difcipline",  or  fuch  others  as  fhall 
be  deemed  fatisfactory  ;  the  Prefbytery  being 
met  for  his  ordination,  the  Sermon  being  ended, 
and  the  Engagements,  directed  in  the  Form  of 
Government,  &c.  being  taken,  the  Perfon,  who 
is  to  be  ordained,  fhall  kneel  down  in  the  moft 
convenient  part  of  the  Church,  and  the  Minifter, 
who  has  been  appointed  to  prefide,  fhall  lay  his 
Right  Hand  upon  his  Head,  and  then  all  the 
other  Minifters  of  the  Prefbytery  prefent,  fhall 
alfo  lay  their  Right  Hands  upon  his  Head  ;  and 
the  prefiding  Minifter  fhall  pray  in  the  following 
or  like  manner  : 

i  Holy,  holy,  holy,  Lord  God  Almighty,  We 
c  adore  Thee,  as  the  one,  living,  and  true  God, 
'  the  Creator  and  the  Preferver  of  all  things. 
'  We  adore  Thee  as  the  God  and  Father  of  our 
*  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  and  in  him  reconciling  the 
c  world  unto  Thyfelf,  not  imputing  their  trefpaf- 
'■  fes  unto  them.  We  moft  devoutly  praife  Thee 
c  for  the  unfpeakable  Gift  of  a  Saviour,  and  for 

*  the 


Plan  of  favirie  Idft:  Men  throi 
Incarnation,    his  Atonemetit,  his  Refun 

to  Glory.      We  praife  rl  I 
hen  He  afcehded  up  on  high*,  He  led 
Captivity  captive,    and  pave  Gifts  unto  Men  : 
t hat  lie  gave  fomc,  Apoftles  ;    and  fome,    1 
prices;  and  forhl  igeHfts  ;  and  fome,  Paf- 

lurs  and  Teachers  ;  for  the  perfe&ing  of   the 
Saints,  for  the  Work  of  the  Mmiurv,  lor  the 
of  the  Body  of  ChrifL 

we  thank  Thee,  O  Lord,  that  Thou  art 
railing  up  and. qualifying  Men  for  thi 
Work,  from  age  to  are,  and  throughout  the 
federal  Parts  of  thy  Church.  We  thank 
Thee,  that  thou  halt  inclined  the  heart  of  this 
thy  Servant  to  devote  HimfelJ  to  the  Lord,  iu 
the  Work  of  the  \iiniflry.  We  pray  that 
Thou  wouidlt  graeiouily  accept  of  the  Dedi- 
cation which  He  now  makes  of  Hirafclf  to 
I  hce,  in  the  Gofpel  of  thy  Son. 
c  W^e  do,  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of 
the  Son  and  of  the  lloiy  Ghoft,  ordain  him 
Bifhop  of  this  Church  ;  and  fet  him  apart  to  the 
Office  of  the  holy  Miniflry.  We  mod  humbly 
pray,  that  thou  v.ouldell  graeiouily  appr 
and  ratify  in  heaven,  what  we  now  do  in  thy 
name,  upon  earth. 

'  O  moft  merciful  God,  grant  this  thy  fervant  a 
double  portion  of  thy  Spirit.  Enable  him  to 
be  diligent  and  faithful  in  the  difcharge  of  ilk 
great  duties  of  his  miniflry.  May  lie  be  wife 
in  winning  fouls  to  Chrift,  Make  him  an  c- 
mincnt  blcfTmg  to  thy  Church  in  general,  and 
to  thefe  thy  People,  over  whom  thou  art  fet- 
ting  him,  in  particular.  Enable  him,  O  Lord, 
to  take  heed  unto  hirrifelf,  and  to  his  doctrine, 
and  to  continue  in  them,  that  he  may  both  favc 
himfelf,and  them  that  hear  him.  c  Gra- 


(     "3     ) 

c  Gracious  God,  pardon  all  our  fins,  and  hear 
'    us,    for  the  fake  of  Jefos  Chrifl:   our  Lord  : 

*  And  let  the  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and  to 
1  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Spirit,  now  and  for 
c    ever.      Jim  en.' 

Prayer  being  ended,  and  the  Perfon  ordained 
having  ri  fen  from  his  knees,  the  Minifter,  who 
prefides,  fliall  give  him  the  Bible,  addreiling  him 
in  words  to  the  following  import  : 

'  You  have  now  received  authority  to  preach 
6  the  Gcfpel,  and  to  adminifler  all  the  Ordinances 
f  inftituted  by  Chrifl.  In  token  whereof,  take  this 
'  holybook,which  contains  your  commiflion;  ftu- 
6  dy  it  carefully  ;  and  conduft  yourfelf,  in  every 
\  part  of  your  ofnce,  in  conformity  to  it.3 

Then  he  fhall  take  him  by  the  Right  Hand  ; 
faying,  in  words  to  this  purpofe  ;  '  We  give 
c   You  the  Right  Hand   of  Fellowfhio.   to  take 

O  J. 

'  part  of  this  Miniftry  with  us."  Or  thus  : 
'  In  token    of  our  acceptance  of  you,    to  take 

*  part  with  us  in  this  facred  Miniftry,  to  which 
'  we  have  now  fet  you  apart,  we  do,  agreeably 

*  to  the  Apojftolic  example,  give  you  the  Right 
'  Hand  of  Fellowship.'  Then  the  Minifter's  who 
laid  hands  upon  him,  fliall,  in  their  order,  take 
him  by  the  right  hand. 

The  Minifter  who  prefided,  or  fome  other  ap- 
pointed to  the  buiinefs.  fliall  then  addrefs  him  on 
the  Nature  and  Importance  of  the  Office  to  which 
he  has  been  fet  apart  :   charging  him, 

c  To  take  heed  unto  himfelf,   and   to   all 
'  flock,  over  which  the  Holy  Ghoft  hath    made 

*  him  Overfeer  ;  to  feed  the  Church  of  God, 
'  which  he  hath  pnrchafed  with  his  own  blood  ; 
f  to  love  Chrift,  and  to  feed  his  fheep  :  fhewing 
1  him,  that  a  Biihop  muft  take  the  overfight  of 

P  '  them. 


-    ) 

at  willingly  ;   nc 
f    A'md  ;   neither  as 
i<  ritage,    but  as  an 
Word,   in  Com 
tion,  in  Chari  in  Faith,  in  Purity  : 

Exhorting  him,   i.  not  the  Gift 

that  is  in  him,  but  that  he  ite  upon  thefe 

.  and  give  himfelf  wholly  to  them,  that 
into  all  ;  that  h< 
heed,  not  onto  to  fiimfelf,  hut  alfoto  his  Doc- 
trine ;  and  that  he  continue  fled  fail  therein  ; 
that  he  bear  patiently  all  the  Trials  to  which 
the  faithful  difcharge  Juries  of  his  office 

may  at  any  time  fubjeft  him,  in  humble  depcr.- 
dance  upon  the  grace  and  faithfulnels   of   his 
Lord,  who  has  promifed  to  be  with  his  Mini- 
flers  even  to  the  end  of  the  world  ;  that  he 
preach  the  wore;,  be  inftant,  in  feafon  and  out 
offeafon,  reprove,   rebuke,   exhort,   with  all 
long-fuffering  and  doctrine  ;  and  that  he  rule 
well  his  own  boufe  ;  encouraging  him  to  hope 
and  expert,    that,   when   the   chief  Shepherd 
{hall  appear,  he  (hall  receive  a  Crown  of  Glory 
that  fadeth  not  away.' 
After  this,   the  fame  Minifter,  or  another  as 
may  be  raoft  convenient,  (hall   addreis  the  Con- 
gregation (if  the  perfon  has  been  ordained  to  a 
particular  charge)  on  the  ineilimable  bleffing  of 
a  judicious    and  faithful    adminiftration   of   the 
Word  and  the  ordinances  of  the  Gofpel  in  a  da- 
ted way.     He  {hall  lav  before  them  the  duties, 
which  a  People  owe  their  Minifter,  with  the  oh- 
ms to   a  coplcientious   difcharge  thereof  : 
mg  tli em  ; 
8  That  they  are  bound  to  eileem  and  honour 
6  him  for   his  works   fake  ;    to  attend  upon   his 

'  miniftn 


(     llS     ) 

c  miniftry  with  diligence  and  lleadinefs,    and  to 

c  fludy  to  profit  thereby  ;  to  receive,  with  meek- 

'  nefsjhis.idmonitions  and  reproofs, and  to  fubmit 

6  to  the  difcipline  of  Chri/l's  hotife,  aJminiftrcd 

*  by  him,  in  conjunction  with  the  other  officers 
c  of  the  Church  ;  to  be  much  in  prayer  to  God 

*  for  him,  as  one  who  watches  for  their  fouls, 
c  and  mult  give  an  account  of  his  flewardfhip  ; 
6  to  afford,  with  punctuality   and  cheerfittireft, 

*  the  w7orldly    fupport,  which,    m   this   folefnn 

*  manner,  they  have  promifed  him,  before  God, 
c  and  the  holy  Angels,  and  his  Church  ;  aflur- 

*  ing  them,    that  the  great  Judge  of  quick  and 

*  dead  will,  at  the  lafl  day,  acknowledge  what  is 

*  done  unto  his  fervants,  as   done  unto  himfelf : 

*  And  finally,  exhorting  them  to  fludy  the  things 
4  that  make  for  peace,  both  with  their  Minifler, 
c  and  among  themfelves,  that  he  and  they  may 
'  appear  with  joy  in  the  great  day  of  CKHff;' 

The  Minifler  having  finifhed  this  addrefs,fhall 
pray,  arid  give  thanks*  in  the  following-  or  like 
manner  : 

c  Mofl  merciful  Father,  we   thank  Thee  for 

*  die  miniflry  of  reconciliation  ;  that  Thou  hafl 
c  committed  this  treafure  to  earthen  vefTels,  that 
<  the  excellency  of  the  power  may  be  of  God  and 

*  not  of  man.     We  thank  Thee,  that  Thou  hafl 

*  provided  thy  Church  in  this  place  with  one 
6  to    take  the  overfi^ht  of  them  in  the  Lord. 

*  We    befeech  Thee    to    qualify   thy    Servant, 

*  more  and  more,  for  the.  faithful,  the  honoura- 
4  ble,  and  the  fuccefsful  difcharge  of  his  high 
4  trufl.     Encourage   his   heart,  and  flrerigthen 

*  his  hands  therein,  from  day  to  day.  Grant 
4  him,  O   Lord,  a  deep  and  an   abiding  fenfe  of 

*  his  dependance   upon  the  influences    of  the 

c  Spirit 


(     1*6     ) 

-  Spirit  of  Chriit  for  the  fuccefs  of  his  labours, 
'  May  he  have  many  feals  of  his- mi  n  if  try  in  this 
c  place  ;  many  as  his  crown  of  rejoicing  in  the 
c  preience  of  cur  Lord  Jcfus  Chriil  at  his  com- 
'  ing.  Render  him,  we  pray  Thee,  happily  in- 
*  ftrumental  in  promoting  true  and  undcfiled 
c  Religion,  before  the  Father,  and  the  Lord 
4  Jefus  Chriil,  throughout  the  Church  in  general, 
6  as  well  as  in  this  place.  May  this  Congrega- 
c  tion  be  properly  fenfible  of  the  rich  blefTmg 
c  Thou  haft  this  day  conferred  upon  them  ;  and 
4  may  they  be  enabled  to  receive  and  improve 
1  it  in  a  fuitable  manner.  May  they  grow  and 
4  increafe,  under  the  miniftry  of  thy  Servant, 
c  with  the  increafe  of  God.  May  many  be 
4  added  to  them  daily,  of  fucti  as  mail  be  Saved 
4  in  the  day  of  Chriil.  We  pray  that  thy  Ser- 
4  vant  and  this  People  may  be  mutual  comforts 
'  and  bleflings  to  each  other,  for  a  long  time  to 
4  come  ;  and  may  their  appearance,  in  the  day 
4  of  the  Lord,be  to  their  eternal  joy,  through  Je- 
4  fus  Chrift,  our  Lord.     Amen.' 

A  Pfalm  mail  then  be  lung,  and  the  Congre- 
gation difmifTed  with  the  ufual  BlefTing. 

The  fubje&s  of  the  Charges,  to  the  Minifter 
and  People,  in  the  cafe  of  Ordination,  will  furnifh 
proper  matter  for  the  addrefTes  of  the  like  nature, 
in  the  cafe  of  the  inflalment  of  a  Minifter  for- 
merly ordained. 

Every  Prefbytery  will  be  beh1  able  to  judge  of 
the  age  at  which  it  is  proper  to  ordain  any  per- 
fon  to  the  work  of  the  Gofpel  Miniftry  ;  but 
we  think  that,  in  ordinary  cafes,  the  Candidate 
fhould  be,  at  kail,  twenty-four  years  of  age. 


The 


C    "7    ) 

The  Directory  for  Secret  a:. 

Bcfides  the  public  worfhip  in  Gotfgjegatiort&j  it 
is  the  indifpenfoble  duty  of  each  pcrfon  alone,  In 
:,  and  of  every  family  by  itielf  in  private,  to 
pray  to  and  worfhip  God. 

Secret  worfhip  is  moil  plainly  enjoined  by  our 
Lord.  In  this  duty  every  one,  apart  by  himfelf, 
is  to  fpend  fome  time  in  prayer,  reading  the  fcrip- 
turcs,  holy  meditation,  and  ferious  ielf  examina- 
tion. The  many  advantages,  arifing  from  a  con- 
fcicntious  attendance  upon  thefe  duties,  are  bell 
known  to  thofe  who  are  found  in  the  faithful 
difcharge  of  them. 

Family  worfhip,  which  ought  to  be  perform- 
ed by  every  family,  ordinarily  morning  and  e- 
vening,  confifls  in  prayer,  reading  the  fcripturcs, 
and  ringing  praifes. 

The  Head  of  the  family,  who  is  :o  lead  in  this  ■ 
fervice,  ought  to  be  careful  that  till  the  members 
of  his  houfholcf  duly  attend,  and  tfrat  none  with- 
draw themfelves  unneceffarily  k&h  any  part  of 
family  worfhip  ;  and  that  all  refrain  from  their 
common  buiinefs,  while  the  fcriprures  are  read, 
gravely  attend  to  the  fame,  no  lefs  than  when 
or  praile  is  offered  up. 

Let  no  idler,  or  vagrant  perfon,perfcrm  worfhip 
in  families ;  feeing  perfons  tainted  with  errors,  or 
aiming  at  diviiions,  may  be  ready  to  creep  into 
houfes  and  lead  captive  unliable  fouls.  But  this-ps. 
not  to  be  underftood,  as  prohibiting  the  Head  of 
a  family  from  inviting  a  chrifiian  friend  to  pray 
in  his  family  who  may  be  occafionally  prefent,  and 
whofe  character,  for  ftedfaftnefs  and  piety,  is  efta- 
blilhed. 


Ac 


(     ii8    ) 

At  family  worftiip,  let  each  family  keep  by 
themfelvcs,  without  iuviting  perfons  of  other  fa- 
milies to  join  with  them. 

Let  not  any  fociety  or  conference  meetings, 
under  pretence  of  more  fpiritual  advantage,  ever 
interfere  with  or  fet  afide  the  due  order  and  re- 
gular worfhip  of  families  ;  for  the  latter  is  a  di- 
vine inflitution,  and  of  much  greater  utility  and 
importance. 

Let  every  Head  of  a  family  be  careful  to  ca- 
techife  and  inftrucl:  his  family,  at  lead  once  every 
week  ;  and  we  think  the  molt  proper  time  for 
thefe  exereifes  is  on  Sabbath  evenings.  And  we 
judge  it  would  be  much  more  for  the  edification 
of  Chriflian  families,  and  for  the  advancement  of 
true  religion,  for  families,  apart  by  themfelves,  to 
fpend  their  Sabbath  evenings  in  catechifing, 
holy  conference,  repetition  of  the  fermons  they 
heard  through  the  day,  in  prayer,  praife,  and 
other  religious  duties,  than  in  running  about  to 
attend  fociety  or  other  meetings,  as  the  practice 
of  too  many  is,  even  to  the  neglect,  we  fear,  of 
common  family  duties. 

As  many  as  can  conceive  prayer  ought  care- 
fully to  improve  this  gift  of  God  ;  yet  for  the 
fake  of  the  young  and  more  bafhful  Heads  of 
families,  we  have  fubjoined  a  few  forms  of  Fa- 
mily Prayer,  earnestly  recommencing  it  to  all 
fuch,  not  to  be  negligent  in  cultivating  a  fpirit  of 
prayer,  and  to  ufe  thefe  forms  no  longer  than  till 
they  fhall  have  learned  to  exprefs  the  defires  of 
their  hearts  to  God  for  their  families,  with  fome 
degree  of  propriety. 


(     H9     ) 

4  PRATER  jor  aF A  MILT, on  the  morning  of  the 
Lord's    Da  y. 

c  O  Thou  blcffed,  glorious,  and  highly  exalted 
6  Lord,  our  God,  we  defire,  with  all  humility 
4  and  reverence,  to  bow  down  and  offer  homage 
4  and  worfhip  to  Thee,  this  morning  of  thy 
4  holy  day.  We  adore  Thee  as  the  King  eter- 
c  nal,  immortal,  invifible,  the  only  wife  God. 
4  Thou  art  worthy  of  all  honour,  love,  worfhip 
*  and  praiie;  from  all  thy  intelligent  creatures. 
4  Angels  and  Arch-angels  proftrate  themfelves 
4  before  thy  throne,  and  they  ceafe  not,  day  or 
4  night,  to  afcribe  glory,  honour,  dominion  and 
4  power,  to  him  that  fitteth  on  the  throne,  and  to 
4  the  Lamb  forever  and  ever.  We,  who  are 
c  worms  of  iheduif,  and  have  our  habitation  in 
c  hotifes  of  clay,  defire  to  unite  with  this  celeftiai 
'  company,  in  praifing,  magnifying,  and  adoring 
f  thy  name.  We  worihip  Thee,  as  our  Creator, 
j  Preferver,  Benefactor,  and  Redeemer.  In 
P  Thee  we  live,  and  move,  and  have  our  being. 

6  We  acknowledge,  before  Thee,  that  we  are 
'  fallen  creatures,  miferable  finners.  We  have 
c  forfaken  Thee,  the  fountain  of  living  waters  ; 
c  and  have  hewn  out  for  ourfelves  citterns,  bro- 
6  ken  cifterns,  which  can  hold  no  water.  Behold 
c  we  are  vile,  we  are  altogether  as  an  unclean 
c  thing  in  thy  fight.  But  glory  to  thy  name  in 
'  the  higheft,  that  thou  haft  opened  a  door  of 
1  hope  for  finners  ;  that 'thou  hall:  revealed  a 
4  glorious  falvation  in  the  gofpel ;  that  thou  hail 
c  fet  forth  Chrifh  Jefus,  to  be  the  propitiation 
'  for  fin,  and  caufed  us  to  hear  the  glad  tidings 
'  of  peace  and  reconciliation  through  faith  in  his 
:  name.     In  his  name,  we  come  unto  thee,  con- 

'  feiling 


(        120       ) 

fefling  our  fins,  and  making  fupplication  for 
all  the  mercies  which  we  need. 
c  O  Lord,  moll  holy,  pardon  our  fins  ;  blot 
out  all  our  tranfgrefTions.  Juftify  us  freely  by 
thy  grace,  through  the  redemption  that  is  in 
Jeius  Clirill.  Receive  us  into  thy  favour, 
which,  is  life,  and  make  us  the  fubjech  of  thy 
tog  kindnefs,  which  is  better  than  life.  A- 
dopt  us  into  thy  family,  and  fanclify  us  by  the 
powerful  influences  of  thy  Holy  Spirit.  Ena- 
ble us  to  fanclify  this  thy  Sabbath,  and  to  keep 
it  holy.  Prepare  our  hearts  for  all  the  holy 
duties  and  fervices  of  this  day.  Let  the  day- 
Ipring  from  on  high  vilit  us,  and  the  Sun  of 
Rightcouihefs  fhine  upon  us,  with  healing  in 
his  win os. 

'  We  praife  thee,  O  God,  that  thou  had  a- 
dorned  thy  weeks  with  iabbaths  ;  that  ihou 
hall  fancliiied  one  day  in  feven,  to  be  kept  ho- 
ly to  thyfelf  ;  and  that  thou  haft  brought  u* 
to  fee  another  of  the  days  of  the  Son  of  man. 
O  that  we  may  be  in  the  fpirit  on  this  thy  day. 
Let  God,  who,  on  the  firfl  day  of  the  world, 
commanded  the  light  to  (hi  -  if  darknefs, 

on  this  firfl  day  of  the  week,  fhine  in  our  hearts, 
to  give  us  the  light  of  the  knowledge  of  the 
glory  of  God,  in  the  face  of  Jefus  Chriil.  This 
is  the  day,  which  the  Lord  hath  made,  we  will 
be  glad  and  rejoice  in  it.  O  that  we  may  this 
day  experience  the  power  of  Chrifl's  rcfurrcc- 
tion.  As  he  was  raifed  from  the  dead  by  the 
glory  of  the  Father,  fo  let  us  be  raifed  from 
a  ftate  of  death  in  fin,  to  walk  with  him  in  new- 
nefs  of  life,  and  be  prepared  to  fit  with  him  in 
heavenly  places, 

*  Prepare 


(        121        ) 

1  Prepare  us-  O  our  God,  for  the  public 
ordinances  of  thy  houfe  this  day.  May  we, 
with  our  whole  hearts,  join  in  the  prayers  and 
praifesofthy  church.  Enable  ns  to  hear  thy 
word  with  attention,  to  receive  it  in  faith  and 
love;  to  lay  it  up  in  our  hearts-  and  to  pra&ife 
it  in  our  lives.  Give  thy  prefence,  O  Lord 
our  God  to  thy  miniftcring  iervant,  who  may 
lead  our  worfhjp,  and  fpeak  to  us  in  thy  name 
to-day.  Give  him  the  tongue  of  the  learned, 
that  he  may  fpeak  a  word  in  feafon  to  weary 
fouls.  May  thy  faints  be  refrefhed  and  com- 
forted ;  may  fmners  be  awakened  and  con- 
verted* May  this  be  a  glorious  day  in  thf 
Zion. 

c  Accomplish,  O  Lord,  we  befeech  thee,  aft 
thy  defigns  of  mercy.  Let  thy  gofpcl  be  pro- 
pagated from  the  riling  to  the  fetting  fun.  Let 
it  run,,  have  free  courfe  and  be  glorified  Be 
in  all  the  worshipping  affcmblies  of  thy  peo- 
ple this  dav.  "Fill  thy  Churches  with  thy  glo- 
ry. •  Clothe  thy  Miniflers  with  falvation,  that 
thy  people  may  fliout  aloud  for  joy.  Keep  our 
hearts,  and  keep  our  minds  this  day.  Prr- 
ferve  us  from  evil  and  worldly  thoughts.  Let 
no  vain  converfation  proceed  out  of  our  lips. 
Save  us  from  the  temptations  of  Satan.  Hand 
us  in  peace  and  fafety  through  all  the  chang- 
ing fcenes  of  ti  me.  Be  the  flay  and  flaff  of  our 
fouls  in  the  folemn  hour  of  death  ;  and  finally 
bring  us  to  glory  ;  only  for  the  fake  of  our  Lord 
and  Saviour  Jefus  Chrift,  who  taught  us,  when 
we  pray,  to  fay  ; 

c  Our  Father,   who  art  in  Heaven,  hallowed 

be  thy  name.     Thy  kingdom  come.     Thy  will 

be  done  m  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven.     Give  us 

O  «  this 


this  day  our  daily  bread  ;  and  forgive  us  our 
trefpaffes  as  we  forgive  them  that  trefpafs 
againit  us.  And  lead  us  not  into  temptation > 
but  deliver  us  from  evil :  for  thine  is  the  king- 
dom, and  the  power,  and  the  glory,  forever. 
Amen* 

r   PRATER  for  a  FAMILY,   on  the  evening 
of  the  Lord's  Day. 

c  O  Thou  holy,  ever  blefYed,  and  ever  glori- 
ous Lord  our  God  :  Thou  art  God  ovef 
all,  and  rich  in  mercy  to  all  that  call  upon  thy 
name.  Thou  art  molt  wife  and  powerful,  the 
King  of  Kings,  and  Lord  of  Lords.  Thy 
kingdom  is  an  cverlafting  kingdom  ;  and  thy 
dominion  from  generation  to  generation.  This 
evening  of  thy  holy  day,  O  Lord,  we  prefeni 
ourfelves  before  thee,  to  offer  up  our  evening 
facriftce  of  prayer  and  of  praife.  Thou  halt: 
given  us  to  enjoy  another  Sabbath.  Thy  days 
are  fweet  to  our  fouls  ;  thy  Sabbaths  are  our 
delight.  We  blefs  and  praife,  Thee,  with  our 
whole  hearts,  for  another  of  thy  holy  days.  A 
day  fpent  in  thy  courts,  is  better  than  a  thou- 
fand  elfewhere.  How  amiable  are  thy  tn-er- 
nacles,  O  Lord  of  hofts  !  Thou  hall  carried 
us  to  thy  houfe  of  prayer  ;  thou  haft  caufed 
us  to  hear  thy  word,  and  we  have  had  the 
privilege  of  joining  in  the  prayers  and  praifes 
of  thy  people,  in  thy  church. 
*  Glory  to  God  in  the  higheft,  for  all  his 
mercies  and  benefits  to  us.  How  great  are 
the  privileges  we  enjoy,  above  thoufivnds  of 
our  fellow  creatures,  who  are  as  good  by  na- 
ture as  wc  are.     What  multitudes  arc  bowing 

4  down 


(     i*5     ) 

down  to  Hocks  and  ilones,  are  groping  in 
more  than  midnight  darknefs,  and  know  not 
Thee,  the  true  God.*  nor  Jcfus  Chriit,  whom 
thou  haft  lent  ;  while  we  are  favoured  with  thy 
Sabbaths  and  thine  ordinances,  and  enjoy  the 
glorious  light  of  thy  gofpeh 
4  O  Lord,  we  confers  we  are  unworthy  of 
the  lead  of  all  thy  mercies  \  and  that  thou  art 
diftinguiftiing  us  above  others,  is  owing  to  thy 
mere,  free,  holy,  and  lbvercign  pleafure.  With 
propriety  may  we  afcribe  all  to  the  glory  of  thy 
name,  and  lay?  even  fo.  Father,  for  fo  it  feemeth 
good  in.  thy  fight.  We  call  upon  our  fouls, 
and  all  within  us,  to  blefs  and  magnify  thy 
name,  for  thy  diftinguiftiing  favours  to  us,  thine 
undeferving  creatures.  We  praife  thee  for 
the  gift  of  thine  only  begotten  Son  ;  for  the 
redemption  of  Chrift  Jefus  our  Lord  ;  for  the 
covenant  of  mercy  ;  for  the  means  of  grace, 
and  the  hopes  of  eternal  life, 
'  O  thou  Father  of  mercies,  forgive  what  thy 
pure  eyes  have  (cen  amifs  in  us  this  day.  For. 
give  us,  that  we  have  not  ferved  thee  with  more 
love,  zeal,  and  godly  fmcerity.  In  all  things 
we  have  finned,  and  come  fliort  of  thy  glory. 
Pardon,  O  Lord,  our  innumerable  failings  and 
imperfections.  Forgive  the  iniquities  of  our 
moft  holy  things.  After  we  have  done  all,  we 
have  juft  reafon  to  acknowledge  ourfelves  un- 
profitable fervants.  But  thou  haft  declared,  O 
God,  that  they  who  confefs  and  forfake  their 
fins,  fhall  find  mercy.  Thou  art  faithful  to 
forgive  us  our  fins.  We  pray,  moft  merciful 
Father,  that  thou  wouldft  forgive  us,  and  ac* 
cept  of  us  in  the  beloved.  Accept  of  us,  and 
of  our   poor  and   imperfect  fervices.      Give 

1  u« 


I    &4    ) 

<  D4    grace,    O  God,    that  we   may  never  for- 

c  fake  ■  ;\  ways,  nor  turn  from  foHowin  ;  af- 
c  ter  thee  ;  but  that,  with  purpofe  of  hi 
f  may  always  clrave  unto  the  Lord.  Lei  us  not 
c  count  our  lives  dear  unto  ourfclves  fo  that  we 
c  may  finifh  our  conrfe;  with  comfort  and  joy, 
c  ro  the  glory  or  thy   .ame. 

«  ()  Lord  our  God  we  pray  that  thou  would  ft 
«  follow  thy  word  and  ordinances  with  a  bit f- 
c  fing  wherever  they  have  been  difpenfed  on  this 
c  thy  holy  fabbath.  Bltfs  all  the  Minifters  of 
c  thy  gofrel.  Make  them  faithful  to  Chriit,  and 
c  to  the  fouls  of  men.  Pity  the  poor,  the  af- 
f  flicted,  forrowful  and  diftreffed.  Enlarge  the 
c  borders  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom.  I  et  all 
c  the  nations  flow  unto  ir.  flatten  the  down fal 
c  of  the  man  of  ltn  ;  and  let  pure  and  undefined 
c  religion  before  God,  and  the  Father,  be  revi- 
c  ved,  and  made  to  flourifh  in  all  places. 

'  Take  us,  O  Lord,  under  thy  protefHon 
c  tin's  night.  Enable  us  to  clofe  the  day  with 
c  rhec.  May  we  lie  down  in  peace,  and  our 
deep  be  fweet  and  refreshing  to  us.  Bring  us 
to  the  light  of  to-morrow  ;  and  may  our  fouls 
rejoice  and  praife  thee,  in  the  out -goings  of 
6  the  morning.  Enable  us  to  carry  much  of  the 
Sabbath  with  us  through  the  week.      May  we 

<  fet  the  Lord  always  before  us.     Prepare  us  for 

*  all  that  is  before  us  in  ti-me.  Be  our  guide 
'  through  life,  our  fupport  in  death,  and  our 
c  everlafiing  portion.      Now  to  the  king  eternal, 

*  immortal,  invifible   the  only  wife  God  ;  to  the 

*  Father,  the  Son.  and  the  Holy  Ghoft,   be  ho- 

*  nonr  and  glory,  dominion  and  praife,  through 

*  Jcfus  Chriit  our  Lord.     Amen.3 


(     »5    > 
A  MORNING  PRATER  for  a  FA  MIL  V. 

6  O  thou  God  of  all  confolation  i  O  thou 
'  preferver  of  men  1  We  adore  thee  as  the  foun- 
fc  tain  of  all  being,  perfection,  and  blefTed:. 
c  We  have  lain  down,  flept,  and  awaked  in 
i  mercy  ;  for  the  Lord  hath  (attained  us.  Thou 
■  hafl  heard  ov.r  evening  prayer,  watched  over 
1   us  in  our  unguarded  moments;  and  brought  us, 

*  in  circumftances  of  comfort;  to  the  light  of 
'  this  morning.  Day  unto  day  uttereth  fpcech, 
1  and  night  unto  night  flieweth  knowledge. 
5  Thou  drawee  over  us  the  fliadows  of  the 
c   evening;   and  thou  caufeft  the  outgoings  of  the 

*  morning.  Thou  art  good  to  all,  and  thy  ten* 
c  der  mercies  are  over  all  thy  works.  We  give 
;   thee  mod  fmcere  thanks  for  the  prefervation  of 

*  the  night  paft,  and  the  favours  of  the  mornin/. 

*  No  plague  has  come  nigh  our  dwelling  ;  we 
c  live,  are  in  health*  and  afe  brought  in  fafcty 

*  to  the  light  and  comforts  of  another  day.    We 

*  thank  thee,  O  Lord,  that  our  fleep  has  not 
(  been  death,  nor  our  beds  our  graves  ;  but  that 
<  thou  haft  refreshed  and  ftrengthened  us,  and 
c  we  rejoice  before  thee. 

c  Thou,  O  Lord,  art  the  God  of  the  families 

*  of  Ifrael  ;  thotl  art  the  God  of  our  family. 
c  O  caufe  thy  bleHing-  to  reft  upon  our  houfe, 
c  and  fill  our  fouls  with  joy  and  gladnefs.  Wc 
1  acknowledge  before  thee,  O  God  that  we 
'  are  guilty    finners.       We  have  finned  againft 

*  thee,  as  individuals ;  we  have  finned  againft 
c  thee,  as  a  family.  Parents,  and  children,  and 
1  all  of  us,  are  finners  in  thy  fight.  We  were 
1  fhapen  in  fin,  and  brought  forth  in  iniquity  : 
1  We  are  altogether  as  an  unclean  thing  before 

<  thee^ 


(     1=6     ) 

thee.  Yet,  gjory  to  thy  name  in  the  high  . 
notwithstanding  our  unvvorthinefs,  thou  an 
good,  and  doing  us  good  continually. 
'  We  praife  thee  for  the  gofpel,  for  Jefus 
Chrift,  and  the  method  of  falvation  through 
faith  in  him.  It  is  an  unfpeakable  privilege, 
that  we  have  accefs  to  the  throne  of  thy  grace, 
through  the  Lord  Jefus,  thine  only  begotten 
and  eternal  Son.  O  look  in  companion  upon 
us,  and,  for  ChriiVs  fake,  pardon  all  our  of- 
fences. Call  our  iniquities  into  the  depths  of 
the  fea,  and  remember  our  tnmfgreilions  no 
more  ;  but  be  merciful  unto  us,  as  thou  art 
unto  thofe  that  love  thy  name.  Sanftify  us 
thoroughly  by  the  power  of  thy  grace  ;  fubdue 
all  our  luffs  and  corruptions,  and  make  us  holy 
as  thou,  the  Lord  our  God,  art  holy.  Let  thy 
peace  rule  in  our  hearts,  and  thy  law  govern  in 
our  minds ;  and  let  the  confolations  of  our  God 
he  our  ftrength  and  our  fong,  in  the  houfe  of 
our  pilgrimage.  O  thou  Father  of  Mercies.. 
be  thou  the  portion  of  our  fouls  ;  lift  upon 
the  light  of  thy  countenance  ;  put  gladnefs  into 
our  hearts,  more  than  they  have,  whofe  corn 
and  wine  and  oil  are  increafed. 
c  We  commit  ourfelves,  O  Lord,  to  thy  care 
and  keeping  this  day  ;  watch -over  us  for  good  ^ 
compafs  us  about  with  thy  favour  as  with  a 
fhield.  Prcferve  us  from  evil ;  yea,  the  Lord 
prefer ve  and  keep  our  fouls  ;  prcferve  our  go- 
ing out  and  coming  in  ;  keep  us  in  health  and 
fafety  ;  blefs  our  employments  ;  profper  us  in 
all  our  lawful  undertakings  ;  give  us  comfort 
and  fuccefs  in  our  bufmefs  ;  let  us  eat  of  the 
labour  of  our  hands  ;  and  may  it  be  well  with 
us.     Prepare  iu  for  all  the  events  of  this  day  ; 

*  for 


(   '"  ) 

(   fot  we  know  not  v.  hat  a  day  may  bring  forth. 
f  Give  us  grate  :o  do  the  work  of  this  day,   ac- 
1  cording  as  the  dirties  of  it  may  require.     Give 
:  us  the  rule  over  our  fpirits,  and  the  govern- 
ment of  our  paffions.     Keep  us  from  fin  ;  and 
may  we  not    fpeak  unadvifedly  with  our   lips. 
Make    us    confeiemious    in    all   our  dealings. 
Arm  us  agattift  temptation  ;   uphold  us  in  our 
integrity  ;    and  may  we  be  in  thy  fear  all  the 
day  long. 

c  Lord,  plead  thy  cauie  in  the  world  ;  and 
build  up  thy  Church,  in  its  beauty,  glory,  and 
purity.  Blefs  minifters  and  people,  rulers  and 
ruled.  Be  gracious  to  our  relatives  and  friends. 
Dwell  in  the  families  that  call  upon  thy  name. 
Forgive  our  enemies  ;  and  grant  unto  us  a  right 
and  charitable  frame  of  fpirit,  towards  all  men, 
and  all  that  is  theirs.  Vifit  thofe  that  are  in 
affliction.  Heal  the  fick  ;  eafe  the  pained  ; 
iuccour  the  tempted  ;  relieve  the  opprcfTed  ; 
and  give  joy  to  thofe  that  mourn  in  Zion. 
Deal  with  us  and  our  family,  according  to  the 
tenor  of  the  everlafling  covenant,  which  is  well 
ordered  in  all  things  and  fure.  This  is  all  our 
falvation,  and  all  our  defire.  We  afk  and  of- 
fer all  in  the  name  of  our  once  crucified,  but 
now  glorified  and  exalted  Redeemer,  in  whom 
we  deiire  ever  to  be  found,  and  to  whom, 
with  thee,  O  Father,  and  the  co-equal  Spirit 
of  grace,  be  afcribed  all  blefling,  glory,  and 
praife,  both  now  and  forever.     Amen? 

An  EVENING  PRATER  for  a  FAMILT. 

*  O  thou  bleffed,    ever  glorious,    and  eternal 
Jehovah  ;  we  adore  thee,  as    our  maker,   as 

c  our 


'  cur  prcfervcr,  and  as  our  God.  Thou  art  the 
1  benefactor  of  the  univerfe  ;  thou  giveft  life, 
c  and  breath,  and  being,  unto  all.  Thou  had 
£  carried  us  through  the  toils  and  bufinefs  of 
f  another  day  ;  thou  had  ftrengthened  us,  fed 
c  and  clothed  us  all  our  life  long.  Having  ob- 
c  tained  help  of  God,  we  continue  to  this  time. 
c  We  are  the  monuments  of  thy  fparing  mercy  ; 
f  and  witneffes  for  thee,  that  thou  art  gracious; 
c  Thou  art  God,  and  not  man  ;  therefore  we  are 
c  not  confumed.  Day  unto  day,  and  night  unto 
1  night,  do  teftify,  that  thou  art  good,  and  doing 
c  good  continually.  None  who  feck,  and  put 
f  their  truft  in  thee,    flvall  ever  be  put  to  ilrame. 

<  Thou  makeft  the  outgoings  of  the  morning, 
c  and  of  the  evening  to  rejoice  over  us.  By  thy 
c  indulgent  goodaefs,  and  merciful  loving  kind- 
F  nefs,  we  are  brought  to  the  clofe  of  another 
'  day.  Blcffed  be  the  Lord,  who  daily  loadeth 
c  us  with  his  benefits.  We  have  received  the 
c  mercies  of  the  day,  though  we  have  come  far 
c  fhort  in  the  duties  thereof* 

(  We  thank  thee,  with  our  whole  hearts,  for 
c  the  favours  and.  bleflangs  of  another  day,  for 
c  the  comfortable  ufe  of  thy  good  creatures 
c  our  bodily  health,  our  friends  and  all  our 
e  enjoyments,  We  blcfs  thee,  that  thou  haft 
c  fuccccded  us,   in    the   labours    of  our    hands, 

<  this  day  ;  that  no  evil  accident  hath  befallen 
c  us  ;  that  thou  haft  not  made  the  w;Vc  refe 
1  our  habitation  and  a  barren  land  ourdxwl 

<  Wepraifc  thee  for  our  public  tranquillity ;  and 
'  that  thou  haft  given  us  a  good  land  in  which 
1  we  dwell  fafcly.  Above  all  we  blefs  thee  for 
1  Jefus  Chrifti  and  the  glorious  plan  of  reconci- 
*  liation  through  faith  in  his  name.     Glory   to 

!  &J 


12Q       ) 

*  thy  ilame,  O  thou  eternal  God,  that  thou  had 
v  caufed  us  to  hear  the  joyful  found  of  falva- 
'  tion  through  a  Redeemer. 

*  We  confefs,  O  Lord,  that  we  are  fmncrs,  and 
c  that  we  are  lefs  than  the  lead  of  all  thy  mercies. 
4  This  day  hath  added  to  the  fins  of  our  lives.  Alas! 

*  we  mifpend  our  timc,fail  in  our  duty,  follow  after 

*  vanities,and  for  fake  our  oWri  mercies.  We  offend 
c  with  our  tongues.       Who  can  underfland  his 

*  errors  ?  cleanfe  us  from  our  fecret  faults.  We 
f  pray  thee  to  grant  us   repentance  for   all  our 

*  iins  ;  forgive  us  all  our  trefpaues  ;  pardon  the 
c  tranfgreiTions   of  the  day    pail.      O  that  the 

*  blood  of  Chrift  may  cleanfe  us  from  all  iniquity. 
c  May  we  lie  down  this  night  in  peace  with 
c  God  ;  may  our  fouls  return  unto  thee,  and 
c  comfortably  repofe  in  thee  as  our  red.  May 
c  we  live  penitential,  believing,  humble,  and 
x  thankful  lives.  Accept  us  graciouily,  and  love 
"  us  freely.  Make  us  holy  for  thy  name's  fake  ; 
c  and  may  we  live  in  thy  love,  in  rhy  favour  and 
c  friendihip,  all  the  days  of  our  appointed  time. 

c  We    commit    ourfelves    to  thee,    O  Lord  our- 

:  God,    and  defire  to  dwell    in  the    fecret  place 

c  of  the  Mod  High,    and    to    abide    under  the 

c  fhadow    of  the  Almighty*     Let    the  Lord  be 

:  our  habitation  and  our  heritage  forever.    Make 

:  a  hedge    of   protection    around  us    this  night, 

ar  >und  our  houfe,    and  all  that  we  have,    that 

rvi!  nay  befal  us,  that  no  plague  may  come 

our  dwelling.       May  the  God  of  Ifrael, 

Jicrilumbers  nor  fkeps,be  our  keeper. 

-  f'icllj  our  bodies  with    quiet    and  comforta- 

hl  -  red,    Lnd  bring  us  to  the  light  of  another 

day,    and  in   us  for  all  thy  will  therein.      And 

as  we  are  brought  one  day  nearer  to  our  latter 

R  *  end 


(    ■;=  ) 

|  end,  Lord,  help  us  fo  to  number  , 
to  apply  ol,r  hearts  to   true  wifdotH.       \        „ 
we  put  oft   our  clothes  for  r  e  'be 

nrn dtul,  thatweinuft  foon  put  offthefc  mortal 
bodies ,  and  make  our  bed  in  the  land  of  dark- 

.   nefs      O  prepare  us   for  the   fieep   of  death. 
*at,wTien  we  come  to  relignthis  mortal  breath, 

f  J    eternal  ml  with  God.     ]; 
,  ali  t';e  Jam.hcs  of  the  eari  red,  blefs 

t  ourfamdy   v,ith  all  fplrituall  in  Chrifl 

Jehu  j  and  grant  us  all  thbfe  temporal  bid 

thou  feeft  convenient  for 

<  l!"i cTpf ' -,,;  °,Lr'n'' l00k  DP°n  a'^ 

<m aleiifi" "d/;!^orpel   whereitis'not,    and 
make  ,t  fuccefsfu  Iwhere  it  is.     I..  ,;rch 

01  Chrift  every  wher^ilourift  and  .  and 

,    f  notT^y  ^apon   form;  i6h  profl 

P".     Blefs  our  land,  th.at,  in  the  peace  there- 
of  we  may  have  peace.     Own  thy  minifters  in 
.    he,,-  WGr£  ;  and    rule   in   the    hearts  of  our 
»  nt  2'  ,th? ,  r'fi""  Potation  he  bl 

«   HorveC  T,  a?d    f'"  AC    NVi")le    tarth  *** 

glory.     Do  for  us,  we  pray  thec,  abundantly 
above  what£e  can  a;k   or  think.   for  tl 

•  wi  lrt'T-  tjefus  Chrift;  to  whom, 

t  Wh  the  Father,  and  the  eternal  Spirit,  be  all 

'  S2'  ^  and  p0Wer'  forev<*and  c 

-*   MO/vWA-G  Pfc«*M   for  a   i?Am 

oJ  all  flefh,  all  are  tiline     thc.fo  ,     ,.     » 
I     "«    theh,„!s  of  children  are  thine  :;,,!(   thou 
It  mercy  grace,  andgoodmfs,  fufficient  For 
JUl*     We  bow  befoft!  thee  this  morning,  ;:1   , 

1  family 


(     tfl     ) 

:o  ackm  our  family  iins, 

and  to 
".  unto  thee,forfamil 
O  I  built  uv  our  family  by  : 

d    providence.     Tliou  I  us  chil- 

thcy  ma;.  Bogs  to 

;       iat  we   may  never  have  reaibn  to  wiih 
had  been  written  childk 
1  O  Lord,  i  our  children,  are  Tinners 

before  thee.     We  lament  die  original  pollution 
of   our   nature.     We  are    all  guilty,    parents 
Iren,  before  thee.      -  .erewith,  O 

thou  MoftHigb,  ftiall  we  come  into  thy  light  ? 
Should  we  bring  thoufands  of  rams,  or  ten 
thoufands  of  rivers  of  oil  ;  ihould  we  oiler  the 
fruit  of  our  body  for  the  fin  of  our  fouls  ;  all 
:id  be  to  no  purpofc  ;  all  would  be  in  vain. 
But  glory,  glory  to  thy  name,  O  thou  m'oft 
merciful  God,  that  thou  haft  provided  a  Lamb 
for  a  iacrirlce,  even  thine  only  begotten  Son, 
who  hath  made  atonement  for  fin.  We  thank 
thee,  that  we  have  heard  of  the  name  of  Je- 
fus  ;   that  there  is    a  ion  opened 

h  him  ;  are  fav  .  ith  the 

it  of  the  gofpel,  with  thy  word  and  ordi- 
nances, with  the  means  oi  n,  and  the 
hope  of  eternal  life.  We  blefs  thee,  that  we, 
and  our  children,  have  been  baptized  into  thy 
name  :  that  we  have  had  libertv  to  dedicate 
our  little  Ones  to  God  ;  that  they  have  been 
admitted  to  the  feals,  and  are  under  the  blef- 
fings  of  the  covenant  :  they  are  born  in  thy 
houfe,  and  made  members  of  thy  family  on 
earth.  O  thou,  who  art  the  God  of  Abra- 
ham, oi  and  of  Jacob,  the  God  and  Fa- 
ther of  the  faitl                     mbly  befeech  thee, 

'  t* 


(     *32     ) 

'  to  form  us,    and  our  children,    for   : 

*  plcafure.       Sanctify    our  fouls  ;   fanctiiy    our 

*  children.  May  this  be  a  family  in  whi 
c  wile  delight  to  dwell :  and  may  we  ail  I 
'  the   fervants   of   the  living  God,  * 

c  O  Lord,  grant  unto  our  children  a  good 
s  capacity  ;  open  their  minds  to  receive  inuruc- 
c  tion  ;   may  they  be  fitted  for  ufefuinefs  in  the 

*  world,   made  pious  towards  God,  and  meet  for 
everlafling   happinefs.      Enable    us    to  teach 
them,  and  to  fet  holy  examples  before  tl 
to    train   them  up   in   the  way  wherein  they 
fliould  go  ;  to  bring  them  up  in  thy  fear,  in  the 

'  nurture  and  admonition   of  the  Lord.     Mod 

c  gracious    God,  pardon  ali  our  offences  ;   may 

c  our  fins  be  forgiven,  and  our  i:  remem- 

*  bered  no  more.  May  each  of  us  be  united  to 
c  Chrift  Jefus  in  fai;h,  clotl  obes, 
c  of  his  rightcoufnds,  and  jufMed  ffeelj 

*  grace. 

'  We    thank  thee,    O  Lord,  for  the  mercies 

c  of  the  lad  night  ;   that   we   h; 

c  been  refreflied  with  reft,   are    in   health 
morning,  and  have  this  opportunity  jring 

our  grateful  acknowledgments  to  thee.     N* 
O  bountiful  preferver  of  men,  v  re  of  us 

this  day;  keep  us  in  thy  fear;  prefervc  us  from 
every  hurtful  danger  ;  may  we  walk  with  th 
and  be  enabled  to  fet  the  Lord  always  before 
Whether  we  cat  or  drink,  or  whatfoever  we  do, 
may  we  do  all  to  the  glory  of  thy  name.     M 
we  glorify  thee  in  our  fouls,  and  in  our  bo/ 

c  which  are   thine. 

*  Mod  merciful  father,    extend   thy  mercy  to 

c  a  guilty  world  ;    pour  out  thy  Spirit  upon  all 

c  flefn  ;  revive  thine  own  work  in  I  ift  of 


(     133     ) 

.      Blcfc  our  friends   and  relatives, 
/e  our  enemies. and  reward  our  benefac- 

5  tors.       Look,  in  mercy,  upon  us  worshipping 

lorning.     May  we  follow  our 

c  dai  a  fcntc  of  thine  all-feeing 

Help  us  to  live  in  an  habitual   rcadinefs 

r  our  laft  day.     O  that  we  may  live,  as  wc 

*  (hall  wifh  we  had  lived,  when  we  come  to 

fc   Be  our  friend  in  life  ;   our  hope  in  death  ;   and 
;  our  everlafting  portion.     All  we  all;  is  in 
L  nan  the  fake  of  our  Saviour  Jefus 

*  Ch  j  is  the  Lord  our  Righteoufnefs  ;  to 

*  him,    with    the  eternal  Father,  and  the  evc-r 

*  bielfed  Spirit  of  grace,    be  given  ail  wifil 

L  (hankfgivingj  and  dominion,  and  might,  world 
;  without  end.     Amen,'' 

An  EVENING  PRATER  for  a  FAMILY. 

6  O  thou  eternal    God,   in   the  morning  we 

6  feek  thee,   and  in  r  ling  we  W<  u:d  c    .-- 

■ate  thy  praifes,     We,  and  our  children    by 

v  good  hand  upon  us,  have  lived  another 
e  are  in  health,    and   have  enjoyed  many 

'  comforts.     We  praiie  and  magnify  thy  name. 
hou  art  calling  us  from  our  labour,  and  giving 

'  as  an  opportunity  to  reft  a  while,  and  refrefh. 

c  thefe  weary  bodies.     Thou  haft  dealt  bounri- 

c  fully   with  us  this  dd.y.     Blefted  be  the  Lord, 

*  who  loadcth  us  with  hla  benefits.  We  have 
4  received  from  thee  our  daily  bread,  and  now 
1  we  lie  down,  and  deep  ;  for  thou,  O  Lord, 
'  make  ft  us  to  dwell  in  fafet 

1  Vifit  us,  ()  God  of  cur  falvation,  in  the 
■ht,  and  enable  us  to  commune  with  our 
arts  upon  our  beds..    Let  the  Angels  of  God 

c  encamp 


'34      ) 

encamp  gtroi  I   r  our  protection.     Let  i 

Heavenly  I  .  uscounfel  ;  and  let  i 

ht  ieafon.     May  we 
reflfteml  smjd  meditate:  upon 

lies.     We  praife  thee, 

0  Lor,  thy  bleffings  to 
u?.     '  to  loo) 
'thine  anointed  Son,  and,  in  him,  be  our  recon- 
ciled                            I,      Forgive  us  . 

Jins  ;  put  u  thy  children  ;  {peak  peace 

to   our   foul  3,    and  may  we  ever  g\  ce. 

Sanctify  us  more  and  more.     Enable  us  to  . 
daily  to  fin,  and  Bq  live  unto  righteoufoefs. 

1  Pardon,  Q  Lord,  tiie  iins   of  which  v 
have  been  guilty  the  day  palt,     May  our  hej 
be   lefs    attached  to  the  world  ;  and  may 
ferve  thee  better  than  v.  e  have  heretofore  done. 
Thou  art   pur  Ufa      Hitherto   our  bread  hi 
been  given  us,  and  our  water  hath  be< 
Thou    :;;vcil    us   all    things  richly    to    enjoy. 
Merciful  Father,  accept  of  our  humble  thanks, 
for  all  thefe  thine  undeferved  mercies.     Take 
care  of  us  this  night :   may  we  lie  down  in  thy 

r,  and  deep  in  thy  favour  ;  and  In  the  morn- 
whenwe  awake,   may.  our  hearts  be  flill 
with  God. 

4  Have  mercy  upon  all  we  thou  Id  remember, 
when  we  bow  before  thee.     Supply  thi 
of  the  poor  and  needy  ;   reftore  a  found  judg- 

l)e    a  low,    ar 

ufeful    !:         ;  .  vt  th^!o  v,  hu  mourn  ; 

.     -       1  i  t   true   and 

til,  more  and  more,  in 

.  the  dew 

■  of 


(   us   "> 

<  of;  ice.     Blefs  all  die  r/iinifters 

'*  of  thy   g*ofpel  ;   dwell   hi  our  land  ;   order  the 

c  feafons  in  mercy.      May  our   rulers  be  a    ter- 

1  ror  to  evil  doers,  and  a  praife  to  them  that 

*  do  well. 

1  And  now,  O  Lord,  we  commit  ourfelves  unto 

*  thee  ;  we  hope  in  thy  mercy,  and  we  traft  in 
c  thy  name.  Prepare  us  for  all  the  difpenfations 
c  of   thy   providence    towards  US.     Preferve  us 

*  from  all  the  dangers  and  fnares  to  which  we 
c  may  be  expofed.  Let  neither  the  fear  of  mau, 
x  which  worketh  a  fnare,  nor  cruel  mockings, 
c  nor  sven  the  fears  of  fuifering  death,  tempt  us 
c  to  make  fliipwreck  of 'faith  and  a  good  confei- 
x  ence,  or  to  be  afhamed  of  the  gofpel  of  Chrift. 
c  Enable  us  to  fight  the  good  fight  of  faith,  and 
}  to  finifli  our  courfe  ;  that  we  may  receive  the 
1  crown  of  righteoufnefs,  which  the  Lord;  ifcc 
c  righteous  Judge,  fhall  give  unto  all  them  that 
i  love  his  appearing.  And  now,  to  the  Father, 
1  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghoft,  three  Perfons, 
1  but  one  God,   be  afcribed  all  glory,  honour, 

*  and  praife,  forever  and  ever.     Ametii* 

A  MORNING  PRATER  for  aFAMILT. 

?  O  Lord,  thou  art  the  God  of  the  fpirits  of 
1  all  flefli,  the  Creator  and  Preferver  of  all 
c  things.  We,  thine  unworthy  Creatures,  bow 
5  in  thy  prefnee,  to  offer  up  unto  thee,  in  whom 
we  live,  move  and  have  our  being,  our  morn- 
ing facrifice  of  prayer  and  praife.  We  count 
it  our  higheft  honour,  that  we  are  permitted  to 
worlhip  thee.  It  is  our  ineflimahle  privilege 
to  know  the  only  true  God  ;  and  to  have 
boldnefs  to  enter  into  the  holiefl  by  the  blood 
of  Jcfus.  «  We 


(     '3<5    ) 

*  We  acknowledge,  before  thee,  we  have  I 

*  fcired  ;i!l  title  to  thy  favour  ;  we  have  render* 
c  ed  ourfelves  unworthy  of  thy  regard.  Thou 
4  madeft  man  at  firfl:  upright,  but  he  fougjit  out 
c  many  inventions.  In  one  man  ail  liaveTmncd  j 
1  and  in  the  fame  Adam  ail  die.     To  us  bel< 

*  eth  fliame  and  confuiion  of  face.  O  Lord 
c  mod  holy,  we  are  not  only  by  nature  unci< 

but  we  have  broken  thy  commandments,  and 
have  dared  to  refill  the  ordinances  of  h;:n  who 
is  higher  than  the  higheft.  When  the  awful 
denunciations  of  thy  wrath  were  founding  in 
our  ears,  we  have  hardened  our  hearts  againft 

'  fear.  We  have  remained  unmoved,  amidil 
the  fulled  declarations  of  thy  mercy,   and  the 

'  warmeft  invitations  of  thy  love.     Juftlyraight- 

*  eft  thou  have  given  us  up,  to  purine  our  own 
c  devices,  without  reftraint  or  poflibility  of  being 

*  recovered.  But,  glory  to  thy  great  name,  the 
'  thoughts  of  Jehovah  are  not  as  our  thoughts ; 

*  the  ways  of  the  Lord  are  not  like  the  ways  of 
c  man.  When  we  were  caft  out,  as  to  the  loath- 
ing of  our  own  foul,  without  eye  to  pity,  and 
without  hand  to  help,  thine  own  eye  pitied, 
thine  own  arm  brought  us  falvatioO. 
'  Ave  thank  thee,  mod  gracious  God,  that  we 
are  not  left  to  fay,  Will  the  Lord  be  pleafed 
with  thousands  of  rams,  or  with  ten  thoufands 
of  rivers  of  oil  ?  fhall  we  give  our  firft-born  for 

f  our  tranigreffion,  the  fruit  of  our  body  for  the 
s  fin  of  our  foul  ?  Thou,  O  Lord,  hail  ihewed 
c  us  what  is  Good.  Thou  haft  fet  forth  thine 
own  Son,  to  be  the  Propitiation,  through  faith 
in  his  blood.  Glory  to  God  in  the  higheft, 
that  peace  is  now  proclaimed  on  earth,  and 
good-will  is  publifhcd  U)  the  ions  of  men.'  Now 

1  there 


(     *37     J 

,  no  condemnation  to  them  who  arc  in 
'  Chi  ,    who  walk  not  after  the  flefh  but 

the  Spirit.  He  is  able  to  five  them  to 
<  the  uttermdft  that  come  unto  God  by  him, 
c  feeing  he  ever  liveth  to  make  interceflion  for 
4  them. 

c  O  Lord,  let  none  of  us  reject  the  counfel  of 

*  God  againil  our  own  fouls.      Leave  us  not  in 

*  unbelief.  Give  us  not  up  to  hardnefs  of  heart. 
c  We  pray  for  the  gift  of  thy  Holy  Spirit.  O 
c  may  we  be  adorned  with  his  fruits.      Grant  us 

*  fo  to  feel  his  quickening  grace,  and  his  fyrength- 

*  enin^  influence,  that  we  may  be  enabled  to 
6  perfect  holmef^  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord  ;  to 
K  work  out  our  own  falvation,  with  Fearand  trem- 

*  bling  :    for  it  is  God  who  worketh  in  us  both 

*  to  will  and  to  do  of  his  good  \  leafure. 

c  A  •   God,  keen  us  from  every  tempta- 

c  tion.  O  let  not  the  allurements  of  the  world, 
1   the  deceitfulnefs   of  riches,   the  cares   of  this 

*  life,  or  the  enfnaring  pJeafures  of  fin.  draw  <  F 

*  our  hearts  from  rhee.      May  we  feel  the  pdw- 

*  ers  of  the  world  to  come.  May  we  fet  thee, 
c  the  Lor  J,  always  before  us  ;  and  walk  by 
6  faith,  not  by  r^ght. 

1   We  befeech  thee,   O  Lord,  to  blefs  all  our 

*  friends  and  relatives,  wherever  they  may   be. 

*  Make  them  partakers  of  thy  grace,  and  heirs 
c  of  thy  glory.  Blefs  our  enemies.  Enable  us 
g  to  forgive  them,  and  to  overcome  evil  with 
c  good. 

6  Accept,  O  Lord,   of  our  hearty  thanks   for 
c  thy  preserving  care  of  us   through   the  filent 

*  watches  of  the  night.  We  have  liept,  and  are 
'  refrefhed.  Thou  haft  raifed  iw  up  in  health, 
c  and  haft  girded   us  with  flrength  for  labour. 

S  «  Enable 


(     i3»     ) 

Enable  us,  O  our  God,  to  perform  the  duties  of* 
the  day  aright.  Let  us  not  be  flothfulorneglig<  nt 
in  builnefs.      Whatever  our  hands  find  to  do, 

■  may  we  do  it  with  our  might,  as  unto  the  Lord. 

-  May  we  ever  remember,  that  we  are  only  pil- 
grims andflrangers ;  and  that  every  return,  of 
night  and  of  day,  is  bringing  us  nearer  our 
eternal  home. 

1  Forgive,  we  befeech  thee,  all  our  fins.  En- 
able  us  to  clean fe  ourfelves  from  all  filthinefs, 
both  of  the  flefh  and  fpirit,  perfecting  holinefs 
in  the  fear  of  God.  Hear  us,  O  Lord,  in  Hea- 
ven, the  habitation  of  thy  holinefs,  and  graci- 
oufly  anfwer  our  prayers ;  for  the  fake  of  Jefus 
Chrift,  our  glorious  Redeemer  and  Advocate- 
Amen.* 

An  EVENING  PRATER  for  a  FA  MILT. 

*  Our  Father  who  art  in  Heaven,  thou  art  the 
hearer  of  prayer.  The  gods  of  the  nations 
were  idols,  filver  and  gold,  the  work  of  men's 
hands  ;  they  faw  not  ;  they  heard  not  ;  nor 
could  they  relieve  their  deluded  worlhippers. 
But  thou,  O  our  God,  art  he  who  ftretched 
out  the  heavens,  and  who  laid  the  foundations 
of  the  earth,  and  formed  the  fpirit  of  man  with- 
in him.  Thou  upholdeft  all  things  by  the 
word  of  thy  power.  Thine  eyes  run  to  and 
fro,  throughout  the  whole  earth;  beholding  the 
evil  and  the  good  ;  and  thine  ears  are  ever 
open  to  the  cries  of  thy  people.  We  humbly 
prefent  unto  thee  our  evening  devotion. 
1  Thou,  O  Lord,  haft  preferved  us  this  day; 
thou  had  fed  us  ;  thou  haft  clothed  us ;  thou 
hall  enabled  us  to  labour  j  and  thou  haft  blef- 

•  fed 


C    'jy    ) 

fed  the  work  of  our  hands.  It  is  becaufc  of 
our  rebellion  again (1  God,  that  \ve  mud  eat 
our  bread  in  the  fweat  of  our  brow.  But  we 
give  thee  mod  hearty  thanks,  that,  amidft  all 
the  toils  and  burdens  of  the  day,  we  can  refreih 
our  fouls,  by  meditating  on  that  reft  which 
thou  haft  prepared  for  all  thy  people. 
*  Enable  us  all,  O  Lord,  to  difcharge  every 
duty  of  our  ftation,  in  fuch  a  manner,  that  each 
of  us  may  receive  that  moft  enlivening  com^ 
mendation,  Well  done,  good  and  faithful  fer- 
vant  ;  thou  haft  been  faithful  over  a  few 
things,  I  will  make  thee  ruler  over  many 
things  :  enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord, 
It  will  avail  us  nothing  to  attain  to  riches  or  ta 
honour  here,  if  we  are  ftiil  the  enemies  of  God* 
O  give  us  grace  to  feek  firft  the  kingdom  of 
God,  and  his  righteoufnefs,  and  all  needful 
things  (hall  be  added  unto  us, 
4  O  God  of  grace,  let  thy  bleffing  reft  upon 
us  at  all  times.  May  this  houfe  be  a  houfc  for 
God.  May  we  be  blefTcd  in  him  in  whom  all  the 
families  of  the  earth  are  blefied.  Blcfs  us  in  our 
baiket  and  in  our  ftore.  Biefs  us  in  our  out- 
going, and  in  our  incoming  :  but,  above  all, 
may  our  fouls  be  in  health  and  profper. 
4  May  the  good  Lord  pardon  whatever  we 
have  done  amifs  this  day.  Blot  out  the  fins  of 
our  whole  lives.  We  confers,  that  in  all  things 
we  offend,  and  come  far  fnort  of  thy  glory. 
O  Lord;  we  are  unprofitable  fervants.  Know- 
ing that  a  man  is  not  juftified  by  the  works  of 
the  law,  but  by  the  faith  of  Jefus  Chrift,  we. 
defire  to  believe  in  Jefus  Chrift  ;  that  we  may 
be  juftified  by  the  faith  of  Chrift,  and  not  by 
the  works  of  the  law.     O  grant  us  grace  to 

4  adorn 


l.i 


adorn  the  do&rine  of  God  our  Saviour  in 
things.     Eill  us   with  thy  Spirit.     Enable 
thr  ugh  the  Spirit,  to  mortify  the  deeds  of  the 
body,  that  we  may  live.     Let  the.  fame  mind 
1  e  i'n'  us,  which  was  alio  in  (.  ;fus  ;  that, 

learning  of  him,  who  was  meek  and  lowlyfl  we 
may  find  rdt  unro  our  fouls.  Hide  pride  iroin 
our  eyes.  Cloche  uswitih  humility, 
*  We  pray-  O  Lprdj,  that  thou  wouldcd 
keep  us  from  all  danger.  Frcierve  us  from 
fear  in  the  nijit.  Let  our  rcf:  be  fweet  ;  and 
in  the  morning,  when  we  awake,  may  we  be 
ft  ill  with  thee.  We  pray  for  all  who  are  in 
fcknefs  and  difbefs.  Provide  for  the  poor  and 
needy.  Make  them  ftuf.ole  of  their  i 
wants  ;  and  may  thev  be  directed  to  him  in 
whom   all  iuliu  lis.      Lbfs   tby  church 

thtpuglioujt  the  world.      Encourage,  alibi,  and 
profperall  the  minilters -of  the  cveriairing  g.J- 
pel.     Biefs    our  rulers,    and   enahie   then- 
rule  in  thy   fear.       Grant   us   whatever   i; 
fee  P.  to  be  good  for  us  :  and  Jet  our  pray 
come  up  before  thy   throne,    and   bad   u> 
anfwer  of  peace  ;   for  the  fake  o\  jefus  Ch: 
thy  well  beloved  Sen.     Anient 

APRATERjora  FAMILY  in  AYl'LICT % 

<   Almjghty  and    eternal    God,  the  heaven  is 
thy   throne,   and.  the    earth   is   thy  footfiooi. 
Thoufands  of  angels  furround  thy  throne  ;  I 
thoufand    limes  ten  thoufand  of  thefe  blee 
fprrits  miniflcr  unto  ihee.     The   heav 
not  clean  in  thy  fight.     Behold,  God  put 
truft  in  his  fervants;  and  his  angels  he  charged 
with  folly.     The  moft  exalted  of  th.e  celeilial 

'  hofts 


C    141    ) 

I  boils  vJ.l  their  faces  in  thy  prefence,  and  reft 
not,  day  and  night,  faying,  Holy,  holy,  holy 
Lord  v  od  Almighty  !  Jaft  and  true  art  thou 
in  all  thy  ways,,  and  holy  in  all  thy  works. 
Day  unto  day  uttereth  fpeech,  and  night  unto 
night  iheweth  knowledge  of  thee. 

'  O  Lord,  although  thou  had  not  left  thyfclf 
without  a  wimefs,  in  that  thou  dofl:  good,  and 
igiyeft  us  rain  from  heaven,  and  fruitful  feafons, 
tilling  our  hearts  with  food  and  gladncfs  ;  yet 
we  have  forgotten  thee.  O  Lord,  we  have 
often  mifimproved  the  bounties  of  thy  provi- 
dence, and  have  abided  thy  goodnefs,  and  have 
not  remembered  or  acknowledged  thee,  the 
bountiful  giver  of  all  good  things.  -  Whatfhall 
we  fay  unto  thee;  O  moil  righteous  God  ?  for 
we  have  forfakcn  thy  commandments.  Juftly 
mayeit  thou  fay  unto  us,  In  the  day  of  your 
profpcrity,  your  hearts  waxed  fat,  and  ye 
kicked  againlt  the  heavens  ;  now  in  your  dif- 
ftrefs  ye  come  unto  me. 

c  Lord,  we  confefs,  with  fhame  and  confufion 
of  face,  our  thoughdcilhefs,  our  fin,  our  flupi- 
dity,  and  our  folly.  Thou  mighteft  juftly  hide 
thy  face  from  us,  and  turn  our  prayer  into  fin. 
But,  be  not  wroth  very  fore,  O  Lord,  neither 
remember  iniquity  forever  :  Behold,  fee,  we 
befeech  thee,  we  are  all  thy  people.  Our 
fathers  trufted  in  thee,  and  were  not  put  to 
fhame.  Thou  art  ftill  the  fame  merciful  God  ; 
forgiving  iniquity,  tranfgreftion  and  fin.  Thine 
ear  is  not  heavy,  that  thou  canft  not  hear  ; 
thine  arm  is  not  fhortened,  that  thou  canfl  not 
fave.  O  Lord,  hide  thy  face  from  our  fins  j 
and  hear  us  for  thine  own  name's  fake.  Should- 
efl  thou  lay  judgment  to  the  line,    and  righte- 

*  oufnefs 


(      14~~      ) 

oufnefs  to  the  plummet,  none  could  Hand  berore 
thee.  But  thou  had  given  thine  own  Son,  to 
be  a  ficriflce  for  fin  ;  and  art  in  Ghrift  recon- 
ciling the  world  unto  thyfelf,  not  imputing  their 
trefpkffes  unto  them.  Encouraged  by  the  grace 
and  promifes  of  the  gofpel,  we  have  felt  in  our 
hears  to  pray  unto  thee  this  prayer. 
*  O  Lord,  we  do  not,  afk  thofc  things  which 
the  world  calls  good.  Our  heart's  defire,  our 
nioft  fervent  prayer  unto  thee  is,  that  we  maybe 
found  in  Chrilt  Jtfus,  not  having  our  own  right- 
eoufnefs,  which  is  of  the  law,  but  that  which  is 
through  the  faith  of  Chrift,  the  righteoufnefs 
which  is  of  God  by  faith.  O  may  we  pafs  from 
death  unto  life;  and  have  reafon  to  fay,  it  is  good 
for  us  that  we  have  been  aflMed  ;'for  before 
we  were  afflicted  we  went  aftray  ;  but  now 
have  we  learnt  to  keep  thy  holy  law. 
'  Q  Lord,  we  befeech  thee,  of  thine  infinite 
mercy,  to  bids,  unto  each  of  us,  this  afflictive 
difpenfation  of  thy  providence.  In  this  day  of 
adverfity  may  we  confider.  Let  us  not  defpife 
the  chaftening  of  the  Lord  ;  nor  faint  when 
we  are  rebuked  of  him.  Enable  us  to  poflefs 
our  fouls  in  patience,  -and  to  fay,  whatever  thou 
art  pleafed  to  order  in  our  lot,  the  will  of  the: 
Lord  be  done. 

1  But,  O  Lord,  contend  not  with  us  forever.. 
Remember  that  we  are  but  dttft.  Deliver  us, 
we  humbly  intreatthee,  in  thy  good  time,  and 
in  thine  own  way,  that  we  may  yet  praife  thee 
in  the  land  of  the  living.  Grant,  O  grant  unto 
us,  the  pardon  of  all  our  fins.  May  we  be 
waffled  in  the  fountain  opened  for  fin  and  for 
uncleannefs.  May  we  receive,  from  the  Prince 
and  Saviour  exalted,   true  and  unfeigned  re- 

1  pentauce 


(     '43     ) 


pentance.  Beautify  our  fouls  with  thy  falva- 
tion  ;  and  let  the  confolations  of  thy  Spirit 
abound  in  us.  O  teach  us  fo  to  number  our 
days,  as  to  apply  our  hearts  unto  wifdom. 
May  we  daily  die  unto  fin,  and  live  unto  righ- 
tcoufnefs. 

'  O  Lord  God  of  Hods,  let  none  of  us  (o 
far  deceive  our  own  fouls,  as  to  put  off  prepa- 
ration for  eternity  to  a  dying  hour.  In  this 
our  day,  enable  us  to  attend  to  the  things 
which  belong  to  our  peace,  before  they  are 
forever  hid  from  our  eyes.  For  us  to  live, 
may  it  be  Chrift  ;  for  us  to  die,  may  it  be  gain  -r 
that  fo,  when  our  flefli  and  our  heart  faileth, 
God  may  be  the  ftrength  of  our  heart,  and 
our  portion  forever.  Now,  O  Lord,  what 
wait  we  for  ?  Our  hope  is  in  thy  word  :  all 
our  defires  are  before  thee.  O  Lord,  hear  ; 
O  Lord,  forgive  ;  O  Lord,  hearken  and  do  : 
defer  not,  for  thine  own  fake,  O  our  God.  We 
offer  all  our  fupplications  unto  thee,  in  the 
name  of  Jefus  Chrift,  the  High  Priefi:  of  our 
profeffion,  who  is  God  over  all  bleffed  forever* 


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